Taco Loco Mexican Restaurant and Catering is Celebrating 30 Years!

Local Mexican Restaurant Celebrating 30 Years of Serving Fairfield County

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – Taco Loco is celebrating 30 years in business on Thursday, June 21, 2012.  When Taco Loco began in 1982 they were just a little taco shop on Main Street in Bridgeport.  It was a one man shop, and owner,  Miguel Tomasio would cook up tacos, burritos and nachos.  Customers would enjoy their meals as well as conversations at a small counter.  In 1988 Miguel bought a truck and fitted the inside with a kitchen, painted the outside and drove around Bridgeport selling his famous Mexican fare. This was the first taco truck in Connecticut and Rose, Miguel's wife, remembers, "I thought, what are you doing?  He took all the money we had as newly-weds and built a taco truck!  He told me not to worry that I would get living room furniture later!" 

In 1989, Miguel found himself outgrowing the small shop and moved the business and his family to a 3-family house on Fairfield Avenue in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport.  Miguel recalls, "It was difficult, Rose and I were young and Zachary was a baby.  Again, we gathered up any and all savings, bought the house and started renovating the first floor for the restaurant.   We lived on the second floor and rented out the third floor.  We ran out of finances before we were finished but I convinced the bank for another loan by cutting out articles from the newspaper that announced all the changes coming to Black Rock.  I would tell them that my restaurant will be a success!  I think they finally just got sick of me showing up at their door and they gave me another loan!" 

The changes  did come to the area that was full of old and empty factories.  A renovation of Fairfield Avenue came with new street lights, sidewalks, trees and flowers.  Home Depot, BJ's, the Fairfield and Bridgeport Cinemas where all built close to the restaurant as well as the new Fairfield Metro Train Station. Furthermore, this renovated area of Fairfield Avenue became officially titled as the Black Rock Restaurant and Entertainment District with many more restaurants moving into the area.

When Taco Loco opened at its new location in Black Rock, business thrived.  Miguel and Rose could not have been happier.  But, just months into running the new business, the city started projects that ripped up the side road and the state started the renovation of Fairfield Avenue ripping up the avenue.  Rose said, "Dirt was everywhere!  It was summer time and no one could open their windows and our outdoor dining was a sandpit.  They also had to use our parking lot as a thoroughfare".  Since that time,  Miguel and Rose have survived a few more renovations, a few more state and city projects and a few recessions. 

Taco Loco has grown from a one man shop to employing thirty.  Their sons Zachary and Carlo also work at the restaurant.  Rose smiles, "Zachary was just a baby.  I had a monitor in his room in the upstairs apartment so I could hear him wake up.  Downstairs I was waitressing and Miguel was cooking.  All of a sudden everyone would hear, loud and clear, "Mommy, I'm awake".  Now, at 22, Zachary manages the restaurant and Carlo, 14 years old has a part too. Carlo makes sure that customers are welcomed and have a basket of fresh warm chips and salsa. 

Taco Loco has been voted Best Margarita and Best Mexican Restaurant in Fairfield County every year since 2004.  They were the first Mexican food caterers in Connecticut, famous for their Margarita Cocktail Parties! 

Taco Loco has an atmosphere of escape. From the spacious and newly renovated patio to the cozy, inside to the fresh salsa and warm chips that arrive, you are left with only one worry - which margarita to order?

Taco Loco is considered a cornerstone in Black Rock. They are not just a business in Bridgeport, they are part of the community.  Along with numerous awards for their food and drink, they have received such accolades as Merchant of the Year, Business in Bloom and recognition from CT General Assembly for Taco Loco's community involvement. 

With a proud past, Miguel, Rose, and their sons are looking forward to an exciting future.  "We would like to thank all of our customers who have made this 30 year anniversary possible.  Our customers are wonderful people and we appreciate the friendships we've gained. And a special thanks to all our employees, both past and present, who worked with us to make Taco Loco a success".  

To celebrate our anniversary we are giving away FREE TACOS AND MARGARITAS FOR A YEAR! Go to our website at www.tacoloco.com and enter our drawing!  Winners will be announced at our anniversary party on Thursday, June 21st from 6-10pm. Come and join us for our celebration!

For more information, stop into Taco Loco located on 3170 Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport, visit their website, www.tacoloco.com or find them on Facebook at TacoLocoCT.

Established in 1982, Taco Loco is a family business founded by Miguel Tomasio and his wife, Rose. Taco Loco has won numerous awards, including awards from CT Magazine and Fairfield County Weekly. Featured in the New York Times, this restaurant offers catering, takeout, and
indoor and outdoor seating.

Learn more at www.tacoloco.com and www.facebook.com/tacoloco.