Thanks to Dakota County and Lindsay Bjerke with Norton Realty for their support.
Dec. 14, 2025 Update: Garibaldi owner Pablo Alcaraz gave us an update that he’s not closing but hoping to sell the restaurant. If that fails, he’s trying to avoid closing, but will give us an update with an official confirmation if he does decide to close. Now would be an ideal time for Garibaldi fans to support the restaurant—they get rave reviews for the menudo and pozole.
Original story:
More bad news for the Doddway Shopping Center as Garibaldi Mexican Restaurant is set to close by the end of the month.
Why: After opening in 2024, owner Pablo Alcaraz said he’s poured too much money into the business. “No more,” he said.
- First it was the four months of construction at the Smith/Dodd intersection that hampered business.
- But after construction ended, Alcaraz said ICE immigration enforcement has people scared to go out and business has been slow—he gestured to the empty dining room.
For sale: Alcaraz hopes to sell the restaurant to someone who will keep it going.
Context: This news comes the same week as the closing of Oxendale’s, the grocery store in the same strip. That will leave just three businesses left in Doddway.
History: Garibaldi took over from El Nuevo Morelos in 2024, which had previously been Morelos, Los Arcos, Dora’s, Los Cabos, and Puebla over the last 20-plus years.
Jan. 22, 2026 Update: Go Fund Me
Garibaldi has started a GoFundMe:
“I’m asking for help to try to stay open. I’ve been serving the West St. Paul community for two years, and in these difficult times, I haven’t been able to cover bills, rent, and salary. Please help me so I don’t have to close.”
Jan. 26, 2026 Update: Gratitude
“We’re really thankful for the support and helping us through rough times, both supporting our business and our people,” said Garibaldi owner Maria Penaloza.
They continue to raise support through the GoFundMe, but the best way to help is simply to eat at the restaurant.
With the closing of Oxendale’s, we did ask about potential redevelopment of the Doddway Shopping Center. They haven’t heard any updates from their landlord.
Here’s a video from Penaloza expressing her thanks:
Want to know what’s happening in your neighborhood? Support local news.
