WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - A popular Mexican restaurant in Wichita’s Delano neighborhood is changing owners after more than 20 years. Ruben Acosta is moving on from Ruben’s Mexican Grill, the business he’s built over 27 years.

“I’m going to miss coming to this building every day, arriving at 10 o’clock and going home at 10 in the evening, nonstop, Monday to Saturday,” Acosta said. “I’m never going to say I’m tired, because I love my business.”

Acosta said he started thinking about an end to his career after he was critically injured in a 2017 shooting at his restaurant . Acosta faced a long recovery and the effects from what happened nearly eight years ago linger. Though limited, he still managed to serve and visit with customers, support his employees during shifts and process payments at his restaurant.

“I’ve had about 22 operations. They damaged my insides; my abdomen and my hip were in very bad condition,” Acosta said. “So now, I can’t do any work. That’s why I decided to retire.”

Acosta’s employees said they’re sad to see him go but know that a new chapter will give him a fresh start.

“It’s a little emotional, but we are trying to get him home. We’re trying to help him relax and enjoy the years he has left,” said Ruben’s Mexican Grill Manager Alma Palacios.

Loyal customers who’ve followed the restaurant from its early days as a small stand to its permanent location in Delano said they wish Acosta and his family the best and promise to continue supporting the restaurant, even under new ownership.

“I’m so happy for them. They’ve worked so hard for so many years, and we’re just really excited for them not having to go to work every day,” said Cindy Hill, a customer of Ruben’s Mexican Grill for more than 20 years.

In retirement, Acosta said he plans to continue visiting his soon-to-be former customers and employees.

Acosta’s last day at his restaurant is next Friday, April 25. After that, Ruben’s will temporarily close and reopen with a new owner on May 1. The staff and food will remain the same.