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After running franchise operations across the Northeast since the 1990s, longtime business partners Mike Tochluk and Charles Kwon are embarking on their own brand, inspired by the taco stands of the West Coast.
“We’re excited and hopefully it’s something that everybody really enjoys,” Tochluk said.
It’ll be called Taco Fresco.
The place is now fully in the works for the former Supreme Philly Cheesesteak location at 20 Railroad Avenue in Babylon Village, which closed earlier this year, and will open this winter.
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“It’s going to be a taco stand, taco truck concept but in a brick-and-mortar building,” explained Tochluk, who grew up in neighboring West Babylon and now lives in Lindenhurst. Kwon is from Point Lookout.
The move comes after the partners recently sold off six fast-casual franchise locations in Nassau County and Connecticut “to a great ownership group,” Tochluk said.
The menu is still being hammered out, but the highlights will definitely include carne asada tacos, tacos al pastor “and a great fish taco.” All the offerings at Taco Fresco will be made to order.
“A lot of the taco-centric places on Long Island are more full service-oriented; that’s not going to be us,” Tochluk further explained, adding that Taco Fresco ordering will be quick (hopefully), fresh and delicious.
“Hand made tortillas, fresh meats and house-made salsas,” he said. “Small, simple menu. Simple ingredients. The ultimate goal for us is to have high-quality food at reasonable prices.”
He said the partners’ franchise experience will also be a huge help with systems, processes and quality control.
“We’re trying to take some of the really great things that franchises do and translate them over to an independent restaurant,” he said. “And the village has been great. We’ve been expediting things very fast — faster than what I’m used to.”
He also acknowledged the fierce loyalty Long Islanders and villagers might already have to existing locations that serve tacos, but assured “we’re going to bring something a little different to the table, maybe something Long Islanders haven’t gotten to experience much, or haven’t seen much.
“There’s some really great taco places on Long Island and I think there’s room for everybody.”
Check back at greaterlongisland.com and the GreaterBabylon Facebook and Instagram feeds for updates.
Top: The exterior of the former Supreme Philly Cheesesteaks location in Babylon Village. (GLI file photo/Michael White)
