New Taco Tico (finally) opens in Lexington. Here’s a sneak peek.
The much anticipated new Taco Tico, Lexington’s first in decades, is open at Park Hills.
The franchise, which was purchased last year by Greer Companies, is bringing back the taste of the original Taco Tico chain, which dwindled to one location in Lexington.
The Greers have plans to expand, with another new location coming later this year on Southland Drive, where the Arby’s was.
The chain has a kind of cult following, with fans driving across town to the Boardwalk location for years for their Sanchos, burritos, crispy tacos and nachos.
And now they won’t have to. The restaurant is open, except for the drive-through, which is expected to be open by Monday, according to Steve Pottinger of Greer Companies. The restaurant will be open 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Here’s a sneak peek of what you will find at the new restaurant at 3110 Pimlico Parkway:
▪ The same menu, with a tweak or two. The Greers have worked with owners of the some of the Taco Ticos left in the Midwest to keep the original menu and flavors.
▪ There is at least one new addition to the menu, Tico Tots, a fried potato tot flavored with special seasoning. It can come plain or dressed up with chili and cheese.
▪ Tacos, tacos, tacos: The menu offers crispy corn tacos, soft flour tacos and crispy flour tacos, all with savory meat.
▪ And the Taco Burger. If that taco meat is your jam but you lean burgers over tacos, there’s the Taco Burger. Which can come with Tico Tots.
Ben Johnson, a Taco Tico owner in Fort Dodge, Iowa, came to Lexington to help get this location get ready. Johnson makes the case that Taco Tico, which is big on customization as well as serving a sit-down meal, could be one of the first fast-casual concepts.
He said that the brand’s loyalty stems from the flavors, which are unique, less cumin-heavy than many others, “and it’s affordable. In good times, business is good. And in bad times, business is good.”
Taco Tico
Address: 3110 Pimlico Parkway
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
▪ Dine-in, carry-out open, drive-through, is expected to be open by Monday
This story was originally published January 14, 2020 at 11:23 AM.
