North Texas is set to bid farewell to a unique culinary landmark as Campo Verde Mexican Bar & Grill announces its permanent closure after the Christmas Eve dinner service on December 24, 2025. The beloved restaurant, in operation since 1983, has become synonymous with its extravagant, year-round Christmas decorations, transforming its interior into a festive wonderland for patrons.
A Fixture of North Texas Festivity
Campo Verde has been more than just a place to enjoy Tex-Mex food; it has been a cherished destination and a significant part of many families’ holiday traditions for over four decades. The establishment is renowned for its dazzling display, featuring an estimated 120,000 Christmas lights, thousands of yards of garland, numerous Christmas trees, and a beloved toy train that circles the dining room. This unique ambiance has drawn crowds, especially during the holiday season, creating a festive experience that transports visitors into a Christmas movie-like setting.
A Recent Chapter of Revival and Reimagination
The restaurant has undergone significant changes in recent years. After a period of struggle, it was acquired earlier in 2025 by chef Mouhssine “Moose” Benhamacht and his partner Liesl Best, who also own Café Americana. They revitalized the space, undertaking renovations that included new carpets and an updated menu, aiming to bring a more upscale dining experience with fresher ingredients and a refined concept. However, these changes, while well-intentioned, did not resonate universally with the restaurant’s long-standing patrons. Many customers expressed a strong attachment to the original, simpler Tex-Mex offerings and the nostalgic atmosphere, finding the modernized menu and increased prices a departure from the Campo Verde they knew and loved.
Challenges and the Road to Closure
Owners Benhamacht and Best acknowledged the inherent challenges of evolving a concept so deeply tied to nostalgia. “We’ve come to realize that Campo Verde is more than a restaurant; it’s a memory, a feeling, a time capsule,” stated Chef Moose. “But trying to recreate something so tied to the past comes with real challenges. We’ve decided to honor that magic by giving it a joyful, heartfelt sendoff.” Despite efforts to adapt and refresh the establishment, including a return to a more classic Tex-Mex menu in the final months, the decision was made to close permanently.
A Fond Farewell and a New Beginning
The closure of Campo Verde marks the end of an era for many in North Texas. The restaurant will offer a final holiday season, inviting families and longtime fans for one last experience of its famously festive celebration. Following its closure on Christmas Eve, the owners plan to “re-imagine the space with a fresh concept in the first quarter of 2026.” While the future concept remains undisclosed, this transition signifies a new chapter for the iconic location, bidding adieu to its cherished Christmas past. This news is part of a broader trend of restaurant news in Texas, highlighting the evolving landscape of the food industry in the region.
