Tijuana Flats Coming to New Tampa in the Fall

Loyal customers of who live in New Tampa soon will no longer have to trek to Wesley Chapel when jonesin’ for a chimichanga or burrito.

That’s because the Tex-Mex chain is building out a 2,400 square-foot space at 17501 Preserve Walk Lane in New Tampa off Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. Construction on the space, a former location of Shane's Rib Shack, started a little more than three weeks ago.

“As we have an existing footprint in Pasco County and we have built out Hillsborough County … this will help bridge Pasco and Hillsborough counties,” said Patrick Fore, director of development for the chain.

The New Tampa store is slated to open on Oct. 15. By the time the site throws open its doors, Tijuana Flats will have anywhere from 75-80 locations in operation, Fore said.

New Tampa's location will no doubt bring out Tijuana Flats regulars, but the news of its construction is already inspiring first-timers. 

"I heard about it, but haven't gone to one yet. I'll check it out," Lenin Fierro wrote on Facebook after hearing the news.