Harold Garcia, who runs Taco Express in Spring Hill, decided to not renew his lease when it runs out at the end of the month.
Instead of just closing down, however, he talked to his friend Louis Ruiz, who is part of the family that owns quick-growing Oscar’s Tacos.
Ruiz thought the location would be the perfect opportunity that his son, Adrian, has been looking to open his own restaurant.
So by February 1 or 2, Taco Express will reopen as Cali Burrito Mexican Grill.
The food will taste a little different, and Adrian will make a few tweaks to the menu.
“The main difference will be how we season our meat,” Luis said. “[Taco Express’] spices are similar to what we have at Oscar’s, but there will be some changes.”
A couple of menu items may change or be added, like a new Cali Burrito and Grande Burrito, but nothing major. Maybe add another salsa to the salsa bar, a spicier one, a less spicy one, Luis said.
As for changes off the menu, Adrian has plans to change the style of the place, and to roof in the patio.
Luis said his son has plans to give it a more ranch-style feel.
Somewhere down the line, Adrian will also work on acquiring a permit from the city to serve margaritas and beer, but the patio will come first.
The restaurant will likely stay open during the transition.
“We are hoping not to close, but if we have to it will only be one or two days,” Luis said.
He has confidence that the restaurant will be a success. For which he has a simple recipe.
“If you do good food and treat people good you will get customers,” he said.
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