The Carytown and Midlothian locations of Torchy’s Tacos will close next week, according to signs posted on the restaurants’ doors. Why it matters: That’ll leave the Austin-based taco chain with just one local outpost, Short Pump, just two years after it entered the Richmond market. State of play: Torchy’s Carytown and Midlothian locations will close at the end of service on Tuesday, Aug. 26, per the signs posted. It’s unclear why those two stores are closing while the Short Pump spot will remain open. Torchy’s corporate office didn’t respond to Axios’ request for comment. Context: The move comes as fast-casual restaurants overall are experiencing a downturn in sales, driven by economic concerns, especially among fast-casual-loving Gen Z, Axios’ Nathan Bomey reported last week . The sign posted to the Carytown Torchy’s Tacos. Image: Courtesy of reader Boz B. Flashback: Torchy’s opened its first Richmond location in January 2023 in Short Pump, followed soon after they the one in Carytown Exchange, a $40 million shopping center that debuted in 2020 at the top of the retail strip historically dominated by locally owned businesses. Carytown Exchange bucked the locally owned trend, especially with its restaurants. Torchy’s was soon joined by Burtons Grill