How 1960s-Era Taco Bell Inspired P. Terry's New Fast-Food Spot

P. Terry’s is tackling tacos for its next restaurant with Taco Ranch out in Oak Hill. Co-owner Patrick Terry wants to apply his fast-food burger approach — quality food at low costs — to tacos for the new venture. “We feel like we’ve made quality food affordable to pretty much everyone,” he said, “and that’s a real satisfaction.”

“We’re under no illusion that there are plenty of taco places,” especially in Austin, Terry told Eater, “but we believe that there is a niche in the marketplace that has not been filled.” That’s where Taco Ranch comes in.

Terry took inspiration from the original Taco Bell’s short menu in the early ’60s (which he described as “awesome,” because staffers wore "retro outfits that weren't retro at the time"). Taco Ranch’s offerings will be limited as well: tacos, burritos, chalupas, quesadillas, and taco salads.

As is the P. Terry’s way, Taco Ranch’s kitchen will dish up all-natural beef and chicken, house-made flour and corn tortillas, freshly-made salsas (verde, red, creamy jalapeno, pico de gallo), and dips. Breakfast tacos are on deck too, made with organic eggs. Prices will range from $2 to $2.75.

The restaurant, which will be designed by Michael Hsu's firm, will include dine-in areas, patio, and a drive-thru, as seen in the rendering above.

Terry is aiming to open Taco Ranch by the end of 2017. As for future locations, he’s focused on opening this restaurant first, and will then potentially think about others. “Maybe we do another one, but that’s really not in the cards right now,” he said.

• Austin Burger Stand P. Terry’s Is Opening a Taco Restaurant [EATX]
• All Coverage of Taco Ranch [EATX]