Javier Barajas, the owner of Il Toro E La Capra in Las Vegas, has expressed dire concerns about his business, stating that the current economic situation is "worse" than two years ago. Barajas, who proudly welcomed Donald Trump to his restaurant during the 2024 campaign, told CNN that spiraling costs and gas prices may force him to close his Mexican-Italian fusion eatery or sell it.
"We go backwards, everything is worse," Barajas said in a recent segment. He cited the ongoing "war on Iran" as a factor contributing to these rising expenses. "We hoping every day that the war ends," he added.
The financial strain is also affecting the staff at Il Toro E La Capra, one of several establishments Barajas owns in the city. One employee reported selling his car and now commuting 40 minutes to work via electric scooter. Another worker has taken on a second job, leading to a grueling 100-hour work week. "Every single one of us, we feel like, one way or another, we feel the pain," said chef Fernando Perez.