Just three years after moving from a food truck into three brick-and-mortar locations in South Florida, Talkin’ Tacos is coming to Jacksonville.
The first franchise location is expected to open in the second quarter of 2023 at 1300 Beach Blvd. in Jacksonville Beach.
The location is the former Mini Bar Donuts shop, which closed in February.
The 2,250-square-foot space will offer inside and outside dining.
The second franchise location is expected to open later in 2023 in a 1,812-square-foot space at 4853 Big Island Drive in St. Johns Town Center. It will have inside and patio dining.
The franchises are owned by Jason Malih and Elias Ishak, who operate JC’s Fresh Seafood at 1347 Cassat Ave. on Jacksonville’s Westside.
Hours will be 11 a.m. to midnight Monday-Thursday and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Sunday.
Talkin’ Tacos serves made-from-scratch tacos with fillings. It also serves Birria Ramen, Birria Pizza and Street Corn in a Cup. Birria is beef that has been braised for 12 hours.
“After tasting their food and experiencing their Miami locations, we knew we had to bring this concept to our area,” Malih said in a news release.
He said that the South Florida ambiance will be a draw for diners.
The walls will be painted with murals and decorated with neon lights. There will be arcade games.
Customers place orders at self-serve kiosks. There are no cashiers.
The restaurant has three locations in the Miami area.
The business began in 2020 as a food truck. The first restaurant opened in 2021 in Miramar; the second later that year in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood; and third in 2022 in Wynwood.
Two more Talkin’ Tacos are expected to open this year in Coral Springs and Boca Raton. Franchises are set for Tampa, Orlando and New York.