By Adam Frisk Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A community staple that has been a hub for fresh Mexican cuisine and community connection for the last six years, Poquito Loco, is set to close following the summer tourism season.
Owner Claudette Pitre confirmed to The Highlander that the restaurant will serve up its final tacos in September, closing its doors following Labour Day weekend.
Pitre said the decision was made after a long period of deliberation, and was driven by a combination of personal health challenges and the increasingly difficult economic reality of running a year-round food business in a seasonal town.
The Mexican restaurant began as a “passion project,” created during the uncertainty of 2020, during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We started mainly because my kids were in university and the school shut down, so I brought them back here because I didn’t know what was going on,” Pitre said. “My kids, as well as their friends, were not doing well with just sitting around, not having any social interaction or anything to do.”
Even her mother teamed up to create something “magical.
“It was a project that we all did together,” Pitre said. “I think that’s what I’m most proud of, that we all created something from nothing together.”
Paquito Loco first opened at the Silver Maple Motel on Highland Street. But, after two years, and rising rent costs, Pitre decided to look for a new home. That’s when she found the “perfect” partnership within Castle Antiques & Cafe in the heart of downtown Haliburton.
“It’s been a perfect fit,” she said. “Being here and being in the sort of hub where all the action is. There are so many new things happening.”
However, despite the success and community support, the reality of running a year-round business has become overwhelming. Pitre pointed to two major factors in the decision to close later this year: her health and the staggering rise in operating costs.
The business owner revealed that she suffers from trigeminal neuralgia, a chronic, often debilitating neuropathic pain disorder involving facial nerves. The condition causes intense shooting or jabbing pain that may feel like an electric shock. After undergoing one surgery two years ago, she is scheduled for another this May.
“It’s a really intense, constant pain,” Pitre admitted. “I’ve kind of stretched myself health-wise and financially. I probably should have closed a couple of years ago.”
Economically, the owner explained that within the last five years her food costs have doubled, jumping from 30 per cent to 60 per cent of her overhead. To keep quality high, Pitre had travelled as far as Montreal for wholesale goods, but even those efforts have been squeezed by gas prices and inflation.
“Last week I paid $105 for a case of tomatoes,” she said, noting they used to cost $30. “Lettuce now is like $5 a head. It’s insane.”
A 28-year resident of the County, Pitre said the restaurant allowed her to finally immerse herself in the community.
“Now, since I’ve had Poquito, I’ve gotten to know everybody. I finally feel like this is my home,” she said.
It also became a venue for local music, a natural fit for Pitre’s family. Both her children are musicians, her son a drummer, her daughter a singer-guitarist, and her husband, Mark Christiano of Ya Babys fame. Pitre herself dabbles in music and comes from a long line of performers.
While Poquito Loco is set to close in September, Pitre isn’t quite ready to say goodbye and is laser-focused on a final successful season. She is currently hiring for the summer cottage rush and plans to host a last call celebration later this year.
“I’m sad that this is something I have to do, and I’m going to miss them all,” Pitre said of her regulars. “They’ve made this part of my journey special.”
Poquito Loco is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday, until the end of the summer season.
