La Popular on Pine Street in Abilene closed for nonpayment of state taxes

Staff report
·1 min read
A vehicle pulls away from the original La Popular location on Pine Street on Tuesday.
A vehicle pulls away from the original La Popular location on Pine Street on Tuesday.

Patrons of the La Popular Bakery and Café location at 1533 Pine St. have found the restaurant closed since Friday.

Posted is a note from the Texas Comptroller's Office stating the property has been seized "for nonpayment of taxes owed the state of Texas."

Kevin Lyons, spokesperson for the comptroller's office, told the Reporter-News that the property owner, Ricardo Arias, currently owes the state $113,335 in sales taxes, penalties and interest.

More than $90,000 of that total is the result of an audit covering a period from May 2018 to October, said Lyons, with the remainder from between February and April of this year.

One of the murals at the original La Popular location on Pine Street. The property has been seized for non-payment of taxes, the notice posted Friday.
One of the murals at the original La Popular location on Pine Street. The property has been seized for non-payment of taxes, the notice posted Friday.

"We're trying to work with Mr. Arias, and hope that he can come into compliance," said Lyons, adding that the property could be returned if the taxes are paid.

"It's never too late to do the right thing," Lyons said.

No other La Popular locations were subject to the seizure. Those are located at 101 Sayles Blvd. and 3001 S. Treadaway Blvd. There is a La Pop's at 609 Arnold Blvd.

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: La Popular on Pine Street closed for nonpayment of state taxes