Birmingham's Zumba Mexican Grille Closes

There is now one less place to pick up a burrito or taco in downtown Birmingham, after Zumba Mexican Grille, located at 163 W. Maple Rd., closed its doors last week.

"Thank you Birmingham," a sign on the door reads. "It has been our pleasure but we are now closed."

Birmingham's Zumba was the second location for the mexican restaurant, which first opened in Royal Oak in 2000. Zumba opened in Birmingham in June 2011.

According to Zumba's owner, Tim Castaneda, the cuisine at Zumba was inspired by the time he spent traveling in the American Southwest. Serving everything from tacos, to burritos to Castaneda's version of a chimichanga — a Tacon — at Zumba, food is ordered cafeteria style and served with a variety of homemade salsa.

With colorful windows that opened completely to the sidewalk in warm weather, the Birmingham location was bigger than the original Royal Oak location, with more tables — including three outdoors.

In October 2011, Zumba was one of five applicants to apply for a Birmingham bistro license, with the intent of serving frozen margaritas, select wines and Mexican beers. Commissioners passed Zumba over to receive one of the two bistro licenses the city issues each year, citing their disappointment that so few of the applicants looked beyond the downtown area.

As for why Zumba left Birmingham — business was slow, Castaneda told Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield. "It was the lack of business," he said. "Also, no parking. We did a quarter (of business) there of what we did (in Royal Oak)."

Those looking to get their Zumba fix can visit the original Royal Oak location at 304 N. Main St.

Are you going to miss Zumba?