By Mary Alice Murphy

"We came into work yesterday (Sunday) and without notice, we were informed that we were being closed," Pete Salas Jr., former general manager of the Silver City Taco Bell, said. "The sales were not high enough for the area and were taking from district revenues."

He said 27 people were employed at Taco Bell, including him. "It is a heartfelt loss for me and the lives and families of those who were employed here. I was one of the original opening managers 24 years ago. I saw this place from birth, so it's a personal loss."

Salas was standing in the parking lot at the Taco Bell Monday afternoon, as employees arrived to turn in their uniforms. He was also waiting until most had arrived, so he could talk to them about how they could go to Workforce Solutions to determine if they qualified for unemployment. "I'm meeting with my crew members. We have had a tremendous amount of support with job offers for my team. I will give them referrals. These are my family."

He said it was "tough," as he wiped away tears. "I will take a week off. But I wanted to make sure I didn't bail on my team members."

"The company did the best it could to keep us going for the past eight years," Salas said.

As for his personal situation, he said: "Maybe it's time to rethink my degrees and to get back into another profession," but he didn't elaborate further.

He said his son was finishing high school this year, and "then I'll see where the wind takes me."