Taco Tico was founded in 1962 by Dan Foley in Witchita, Kansas. The company operates a chain of fast food style Mexican restaurants with the emphasis on tacos. The original meat recipe was a huge hit and the company expanded rapidly in the 70’s and 80’s.
Foley sold the restaurant chain to a former KFC executive who stopped using the original taco meat recipe and substituted a cheaper, frozen ground meat. The new flavor was unpopular and business began to wane. In 2013, 10 locations were closed by Kansas state due to unpaid taxes. The company later filed for bankruptcy.
A new owner has since reopened several locations. Today, the company has 36 locations in 6 states, including Kansas, with plans to open at least 4 more locations in 2016. The company has returned to the original meat recipe and has discarded plans to allow further franchising.
The chain has opened several new locations in the past two years, including an 8th location in Witchita, Kansas, and a second restaurant in Lexington, Kentucky in February 2019.
Taco Tico maintains a corporate office in Lexington, Kentucky.
Taco Tico was founded in 1962 by Dan Foley in Witchita, Kansas. The company operates a chain of fast food style Mexican restaurants with the emphasis on tacos. The original meat recipe was a huge hit and the company expanded rapidly in the 70’s and 80’s.
History
Foley sold the restaurant chain to a former KFC executive who stopped using the original taco meat recipe and substituted a cheaper, frozen ground meat. The new flavor was unpopular and business began to wane. In 2013, 10 locations were closed by Kansas state due to unpaid taxes. The company later filed for bankruptcy.
A new owner has since reopened several locations. Today, the company has 36 locations in 6 states, including Kansas, with plans to open at least 4 more locations in 2016. The company has returned to the original meat recipe and has discarded plans to allow further franchising.
The chain has opened several new locations in the past two years, including an 8th location in Witchita, Kansas, and a second restaurant in Lexington, Kentucky in February 2019.
Taco Tico maintains a corporate office in Lexington, Kentucky.
Please bring back a Taco Tico in Tulsa Oklahoma. We grew up on it in Ponca city Oklahoma and Tulsa Oklahoma. Now we have to drive to Claremore Oklahoma to eat there. We would love to have a Taco Tico in Tulsa Oklahoma again.
I have a business idea that I would like to discuss with the Taco Tico corporate leaders.
We love eating Taco Tico! But we had a really negative experience at the Southland Drive Location in Lexington, Ky that has really been frustrating. Is there a way to complain? We frequent this place a lot and now it has become uncomfortable 🙁
Please open a Taco Tico in Frankfort KY! I would keep y’all in business. Seriously. 🙂
Please bring Taco Tico back to Richmond, Ky!!
I live in slidell louisiana and we had a taco tico pre katrina. This establishment was and is in a great demand. Please bring taco tico back to slidell la. We as a community miss you!!!!
Hi Mary I’m with you. Used to be many locations in New Orleans area. Slidell, Metairie, just built one in Chalmette months before Hurricane Katrina, 16 years ago. I was in Heaven. Only one left in Kenner Louisiana and I hope it never closes.
Please contact me with franchise information. fallcreekfun@ gmail.com
I worked at Taco Tico in New Orleans. We were always busy. I believe it was Walgreens that bought the property and that of the movie theatre next door. The beginning of the end of the neighborhood. The New Orleans metro area used to have at least 4 stores, maybe 5. We are down to one. I’m certain one would do great, if brought back!!!! By the way, my favorite job ever.
Hey Michele
I bet you’re talking about the one on Elysian Fields, movie theater next door. Remember it well. That was back in the 80’s I think. Best food ever.
I love the food at our taco Tico in Arkansas City but every time I go the person fixing the food is wearing his mask under his chin. I thought if you had an eating place open right now everyone working there had to wear a mask correctly. I have said something twice but nothing is ever done to enforce it.
I live near New Boston, Texas, I stop in at the Taco Tico in New Boston frequently, but not like I used to. I really enjoyed the Fiesta taco salad that was served in a fried tortilla shell…they are delicious. Why was it decided not to continue them? I really don’t like the decision to take the salad off menu. The box taco meal leaves a lot to be desired as way too many chips and not enough meat, beans, and cheese to cover for amount of chips served with it!! PLEASE bring back the Fiesta taco salad!!!
Like to know how the people of Corbin ky. Too get a taco tico back in Corbin ky
, it the best taco around they are going to build a second one in Lexington ky. Thank you.
I usually love taco tico. But today My Sister,Great Niece and I stopped by the Augusta,Ks one to get take out. We ordered crispy tacos, Sancho’s & Cheese Enchiladas. I don’t know what happened but it was gross. Way to much sauce on the enchiladas hardly any cheese, The Sancho’s were weird tasting . Nothing was good about. No take that back My Niece liked Her tacos. Very,Very disappointed. Will be a long time before I go back
I am interested in getting some information on franchising. I grew up with Taco Tico and think the brand has tremendous growth potential.