Torchy’s South Congress Taco Paradise Now Has An Opening Date

The Torchy’s Tacos flagship on South Congress finally has an opening date: Tuesday, January 19, bright and early at 7 a.m. The full bar won’t open just yet because of the pending liquor license waiver due to a zoning issue with the nearby Fulmore Middle School. A rep told Eater that the company is still working with the neighborhood and educational facility.

To celebrate the approaching debut, Torchy’s is hosting a public preview party on MLK Day, Monday, January 18, with free tacos, entertainment, and other giveaways. Once open, the same beloved tacos, queso, and love puppies will be served from the menu. Hours will be from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

The quintessential taco chain took over the equally as iconic Fran’s Hamburgers’ vacant site on South Congress. The burger spot’s building was demolished with much flourish and free tacos last January. The building, laid out by Chioco Design, pays tribute its predecessor with red columns. The new flagship features ample sidewalk seating, dining room, marquee signage, and that impending full bar.

Owner Michael Rypka opened the first Torchy’s Tacos trailer on South 1st in 2006, and now there are 38 locations throughout Texas, with several more to come. The first non-Texas location of the expanding taco empire is opening in Denver later this year. Torchy’s opened a similar massive restaurant in Mueller in 2014.