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The new eatery takes over the former Japanese Quick Grill spot at 1267 Forest Ave. in Port Richmond.(Advance\/SILiive.com | Pamela Silvestri)Why Staten Island?<\/p>\nSTATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 Is it a taco joint, an Applebee\u2019s, or something sweet in between? Staten Island is about to find out.<\/p>\n
Tacobees is moving into the former Japanese Quick Grill space at 1267 Forest Ave. in Port Richmond, promising a halal twist on Mexican street food. Anchored in Brooklyn and Philadelphia, the brand describes itself as \u201cwhere bold flavors meet fresh ingredients in every bite.\u201d<\/p>\n
The concept is similar to Chipotle: customers choose their rice, base, protein, and toppings, and meals are prepared in front of them. Prices range from $10 to $14, depending on the protein. The Staten Island restaurant will seat 30 to 35 people indoors, with outdoor seating planned for summer. Orders can be placed through the app for pickup or dine-in.<\/p>\n
The name? A playful twist on Applebee\u2019s\u2014swap \u201capple\u201d for \u201ctaco.\u201d<\/p>\n
The new eatery takes over the former Japanese Quick Grill spot at 1267 Forest Ave. in Port Richmond.(Advance\/SILiive.com | Pamela Silvestri)Why Staten Island?<\/p>\n
\u201cStaten Island needed a good halal Mexican restaurant, and I did not find many options there,\u201d Mohammed Butt told the Advance\/SILive.com.<\/p>\n
He explained, \u201cWe derived the name from Applebee\u2019s. We took away the \u2018Apple\u2019 and put a couple of things together.\u201dAs for the concept, he said, \u201cIt\u2019s similar to Chipotle\u2014fast-casual, self-serve. You choose your rice, your base, your protein, then condiments and sauces. It\u2019s ready to go.\u201d<\/p>\n
The menu leans into tacos, burritos, and late-night bites. Most signature items\u2014burritos, bowls, quesadillas, nachos, and loaded fries\u2014are priced at $9.99. Soft tortilla tacos and crispy corn tacos come three to an order for the same price, while birria tacos start at $12.99 for chicken and $13.99 for steak.<\/p>\n
Kids\u2019 meals range from $6.99 to $11.99, and sides like chips and salsa start at $4.99. Chips with guacamole or queso are $5.99, and large portions of queso blanco or guacamole go for $6.99.<\/p>\n
Desserts bring the fun: churros in plain, dulce de leche, or Oreo varieties ($3.99\u2013$4.99), tres leches cake ($5.99), and Mexican cheesecake chimichangas ($4.99). Drinks include Jarritos and bottled sodas ($2.49) and water ($1.49).<\/p>\n
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Tacobees\u2019 logo and name now appear on the shopping center\u2019s main masthead sign, signaling the restaurant\u2019s upcoming arrival.(Advance\/SILiive.com | Pamela Silvestri)Late-Night Dining<\/p>\n
The Staten Island location marks the fourth for the Brooklyn-based chain, which has been in business for about four years. Hours will run 11 a.m. to 3 a.m., seven days a week\u2014including holidays\u2014making it a late-night dining option for the community.<\/p>\n
Butt said, \u201cWe\u2019ve been in business for almost four years. Our first location was at 711 Nostrand Ave. in Crown Heights, and it did very well. Next week, we\u2019re opening in Franklin Park, New Jersey, and we also have a Newark location coming soon. That area needed a good halal Mexican restaurant, and I didn\u2019t find many options there.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Staten Island restaurant will follow shortly after.<\/p>\n