Campustown patrons will have to go elsewhere for traditional Mexican food now that El Desmadre has closed its doors.

Owner Ron Haddix said the additions of the Qdoba, 617 E. Green St., and Chipotle, 528 E. Green St., restaurants to Green Street were not the reason El Desmadre, 625 E. Green St., closed.

“I can’t say that they didn’t have any effect on our business,” he said, “but that wasn’t our downfall by any means.”

Haddix made the decision to close the restaurant in December.

“The problem was that our dining room wasn’t big enough,” Haddix said. “We only had twelve tables and sometimes we’d have someone eating alone at each one during their lunch hours.”

Haddix said El Desmadre’s location on Green Street in Campustown made it difficult to do business after 2 p.m.

“Few people drive to Campustown to eat because there’s no parking on Green,” he said. “People who live around campus often like to go elsewhere.”

Though the commercialization of Campustown was a minor reason for the restaurant’s shutdown, other small Campustown restaurants continue to thrive.

Mike Beaird, a manager at Za’s Italian Cafe, 629 E. Green St., said new chains actually bring more people to campus.

“As new places come around, we’re always adding new things,” he said. “Obviously new places are going to get attention when they open, but our food variety and speed is consistent.”

Krishna Sharma, owner of Bombay Grill, 401 E. Green St., said his business has become increasingly successful during its three years.

“I’ve seen a lot of businesses come and go, including Hawaiian (Barbeque),” he said. “But if you cook fresh food, no matter what kind it is, you’ll do well.”

Larger chain restaurants said they see positive results for communities with competitive restaurants.

Chris Arnold, spokesman for Chipotle, said there is room in most communities for a variety of restaurants.

“Ultimately good food and an environment that customers gravitate to will win,” he said.

Kelly Green, director of marketing for Qdoba, said that competition generates competitive pricing.

“Consumers benefit from competition,” she said. “They get a variety of restaurants to choose from and less expensive food.”

High rent prices on Green Street were another factor in the decision to shut down one of Haddix’s two restaurants in Champaign. He also owns Fiesta Cafe, 216 S. First St.

Haddix said he paid $3000 per month for El Desmadre’s 12-table space.

“Some of the new places going in are really nice,” he said. “If you have high rent in an old, rundown building, it can be difficult to compete.”