Torchy’s Tacos’ roots trace back to a single food trailer situated along South First Street in 2006. Its founder, Mike Rypka, wanted to “push the boundaries of what people thought a taco could be,” experimenting with various flavors and ingredients to concoct original recipes.
“I brought my imagination to the kitchen, and we opened our first location, a food trailer in 2006,” Rypka recounts on the business’ history webpage. “I believed in the tacos so much that I hustled around Austin, Texas on a red Vespa handing out samples to anyone I could.”
What began as a one-stop operation on wheels has since grown to approximately 120 locations across 15 states, including its home base here in Texas. Company heads credit the entrepreneurial spirit in the Texas capital, as well as the (literal) appetite of their customers, for spurring the momentum.
“Reaching this milestone in the city where it all started is especially meaningful. Austin’s creative, entrepreneurial spirit shaped Torchy’s from day one, and it remains at the heart of the inventive, scratch-made food we serve and the experience we create for our guests,” a company spokesperson said in an email to MySA.
Looking toward the future, company officials said in a statement Torchy’s Tacos is focused on expanding its reach within its existing markets, as well as charting into new ones.
“As we enter our third decade, we’re focused on growing thoughtfully in both existing and new markets while continuing to dream up the unexpected flavors and craveable food that have made Torchy’s distinctive from the beginning,” the spokesperson added in part. “Just as importantly, we remain committed to serving the communities we call home and showing up as a good neighbor. Our goal is to bring Torchy’s to more communities without losing the scrappy, creative and caring Austin spirit that started it all.”
While the original trailer is no longer operating, Texans-turned-Torchy’s enthusiasts looking for a slice of nostalgia can head to the chain’s Arbor Trails restaurant at 4301 W. William Cannon Drive, Bldg. G, Suite 400, Austin, TX 78749. The Southwest Austin outpost doubles as the oldest-operating restaurant within Torchy’s portfolio.
And, for those hungry for more: Torchy’s is ringing in its 20th anniversary with a Taco Two-Step meal deal starting at just $9.95, complete with two tacos, a fountain drink as well as chips and salsa, company officials added.