Taco Tico is BACK???

As a long time fan of Taco Tico, I am excited to say that they are back in town! They were the only place for Mexican (fast food) for several years before Zantigo and, later, Taco Bell, and now they are re-entering the local market.

It may be the memories from my childhood, but Taco Tico and Rax were both favorites growing up near Preston Highway. Both have been gone for some time, but the thoughts from those days are as clear as if they happened only yeaterday.

I believe the new location is somewhere on Terry Rd in the south end.

"I want my Sancho and Chili Burrito!"

[Robin Garr]

I believe the new location is somewhere on Terry Rd in the south end.

Looks like you're right! From the Taco Tico Website:

Louisville 5925 Terry Rd. Coming soon

Didn't there used to be a Taco Tico in Buechel on Old Bardstown Road back in the old days? I have to confess that having learned Mexican food out west, in Southern Idaho and California, I've never been a great fan of the Taco Hell style. But that said, I would definitely give Taco Tico the edge in that contest.

I used to go to the Taco Tico on Shelbyvill Road near Hurstbourne lane. Good times . . .

I lived off Fern Valley back in the 80's and fondly remember being a regular at the Taco Tico on Preston. I believe after they left that location, a place named Zantigo's came along. It wasn't as good as Taco Tico but was certainly better than Taco Smell.

Rax was practically across Preston from Taco Tico and had the best fast food roast beef EVER. The BBC (beef, bacon and cheddar) was incredible. They also had huge and wonderful baked potatoes as well as a nice salad bar. I am not a huge fast food diner, but I sure miss those places.

I haven't heard the names Rax and Taco Tico in at least 20 years.

I also find it interesting that everyone seems to have a name variation for taco bell...taco hell...taco smell.... I don't feel the need to rhyme so I will just call it crap.

[Robin Garr]

I used to go to the Taco Tico on Shelbyvill Road near Hurstbourne lane. Good times . . .

Looking over the menu, it's not really fair to compare Taco Tico to Taco Hell. Not fair to Taco Tico, I mean.

They do have basic Tex-Mex dishes. It'll be interesting to see how the chain has fared during the intervening years since their Louisville properties closed. I can't remember for sure when they left, but it had to be some time in the '80s at the latest, I think. Anyone have a clearer memory?

I used to go to the Taco Tico on Shelbyvill Road near Hurstbourne lane. Good times . . .

Looking over the menu, it's not really fair to compare Taco Tico to Taco Hell. Not fair to Taco Tico, I mean.

They do have basic Tex-Mex dishes. It'll be interesting to see how the chain has fared during the intervening years since their Louisville properties closed. I can't remember for sure when they left, but it had to be some time in the '80s at the latest, I think. Anyone have a clearer memory?

It's hard to tell, but judging by this story on their website it may have been around 1988. Taco Tico was acquired by a group of investors headed by George Baker, the former president of Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Here is the weblink.

http://www.tacotico.com/about.html

Ahh, fond memories indeed! I'll soon be able to get a tostada the way I remember them.

The C~J has a article available:
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070522/BUSINESS/70522049

Taco Tico and Captain D's were two of the only fast food restaurants in the midwest to offer beer. I don't know if the new incarnation has a beer license, though.

It was cool to be able to get a beer with fast food tacos, though. (although, sadly - I'm looking at you, Roger! - it was just the top three commercial flavors, if I remember correctly.

I agree with Doogy. Taco Tico was great for ffmex and Zantigo was not quite as good (although I loved their green chili burrito) though much better than TB. I have been able to keep up with Tico when I am in Lexington and they are still pretty good.

Wow, I hadn't thought about those Rax BBC's and baked potatoes in a long time. I could go for one now.

MMmmmm........ Rax chocolate chip milkshakes.....

Mmm.... I loved Rax's baked potatoes and roast beef sandwiches. I haven't heard that name in AGES!

As a long time fan of Taco Tico, I am excited to say that they are back in town! They were the only place for Mexican (fast food) for several years before Zantigo and, later, Taco Bell, and now they are re-entering the local market.

It may be the memories from my childhood, but Taco Tico and Rax were both favorites growing up near Preston Highway. Both have been gone for some time, but the thoughts from those days are as clear as if they happened only yeaterday.

I believe the new location is somewhere on Terry Rd in the south end.

"I want my Sancho and Chili Burrito!"

Bryan, don't these look yummo? Just don't look at the nutritional info. http://www.tacotico.com/nutrition_stats.pdf

Sancho.



Chili cheese burrito.



And here is one of my faves, the Tacoburger.



And, last but not least, here is a link to a thread from the Road Food forum about Taco Tico, Louisville and even a mention of Dr. Demento. How cool is that?

http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=474

There was a taco place that was open late when I was a freshman at UK - I think it was Taco Tico, but I can't be sure. It was either in the same shopping center as Lynaugh's, or on the corner of Euclid and Rose (where there was a Skyline Chili, last I was there). Can anybody confirm this?