Local Taqueria Macarena's Bids Goodbye to Liberty Location & NKC Cinder Block Expands

As Liberty's New Sales Tax Sparks Business Concerns

After four and a half years of serving up tacos, memories, and community spirit, a beloved Liberty taqueria is preparing to close its doors at its current location this Saturday, April 19.

The Macarena's Mexican Food restaurant, known for its family-run warmth and flavorful offerings, made the bittersweet announcement on social media, thanking loyal customers for their support over the years. “We leave with hearts full of gratitude,” the post read, reflecting on the love the community has shown them. But the owners made clear—this isn’t a farewell to their passion or their patrons. Instead, it’s a new chapter rooted in Kansas City, where they’ll continue their culinary journey.

The family behind the outgoing restaurant emphasized the importance of balancing work and personal life—something they hope to achieve more easily with their operations centralized in Kansas City.

“It’s not goodbye — it’s see you in KC!” they concluded.

Taxed Out? Liberty’s Sales Hike Raises Questions About Future Business Growth

While Macarenas relocation to Kansas City was planned prior to recent policy changes, their move comes at a time when Liberty is bracing for the impact of a new 1% sales tax increase. Approved by voters during the April 8 election, the hike brings Liberty’s total sales tax to one of the highest in the metro area.

Critics of the tax have warned that such an increase could accelerate business migration out of Liberty, especially for small and mid-size operations seeking to maintain price competitiveness. While city officials tout the tax’s benefits—namely, increased public safety funding—some local business owners are quietly questioning whether higher overhead and lower profit margins are worth staying in the area.

“As margins shrink and consumers grow more price-sensitive, every penny counts,” one local business owner, who asked to remain anonymous, told us. “Kansas City’s rates are lower, and that makes a difference.”

Time will tell whether the April tax increase will affect business decisions in the long run, but for now, Liberty residents may find themselves driving a few extra miles to support their favorite taqueria.

In the evolving Northland food scene, tacos may be recession-proof—but local tax policy? Not so much.

Joyce KC has the goods on upgrades to the NKC Brewery Cinder Block

A game bar with a vintage national park theme is coming to North Kansas City next month — with Bay Boy Sandwiches packed for the short trip. The Commons is an extension of Cinder Block Brewery