Local fast casual chain Tiki Taco continues to expand since changing ownership nearly four years ago. The Cali-inspired Mexican fast food joint recently opened a third location in downtown Overland Park (7514 W. 80th St. OPKS). It has also been recognized as one of 2024’s hottest startups.
The Overland Park site joins Tiki Taco’s Troost and 39th street locations, and sits in the former Witter Plumbing, a business that stood for nearly 70 years before the owner retired. When it opened on Feb. 12, it debuted Tiki Taco’s quintessential order window, a 15-seat bar and a patio with retro tables.
The opening precedes QSR magazine’s recognition of Tiki Taco as part of their 40/40 List for 2024: America’s Hottest Startup Fast Casuals. The list highlights 40 fast food brands with less than 40 locations that QSR believes holds the “potential to become the next big success [story],” according to their website.
The recognition comes as no surprise to Tiki Taco’s loyal clientele. The 39th Street neighborhood joint opened in 2017 but took on new ownership in 2020. Upon new ownership, Tiki Taco underwent rebranding and renovations, giving it the iconic tropical aesthetic including those red, white, orange and yellow tiles that line each location’s interior. The taco joint fuses traditional flavors of Mexico with So-Cal influences and hints of Thai and Polynesian flavors.
