Greater Babylon coverage is funded in part by The Argyle Theatre, where Broadway comes to Babylon. Click here for tickets to ‘Jersey Boys,’ Jan. 23 – April 6.
The new Taco Fresco opened quietly across from the LIRR station in Babylon on Monday, Dec. 30. The owners wanted to test the waters first before making any big announcement.
Since then, things have been going swimmingly, said co-owner Mike Tochluk.
“The first couple days were slow, but then we did some social media the day after New Year’s Day and we kind of got hit,” he said. “And it’s been picking up day by day, and that’s what we want to see; a little more [business] each day.
“But we’re happy to take our time. Overall, the feedback has been very good so far.”
Long accustomed to running franchise operations, Taco Fresco is the first foray into an independent brand for Tochluk and Charles Kwon, an idea that was inspired by the taco stands of the West Coast.
They’ve also brought along chef and partner Benito Vasquez.
The trio has taken up shop in the former Supreme Philly Cheesesteak location at 20 Railroad Avenue, which closed earlier last year.
Tochluk, who grew up in West Babylon, previously described the concept to GLI as a “taco stand, taco truck but in a brick-and-mortar building.”
The highlights
All the offerings at Taco Fresco are made to order, with highlights being the carne asada tacos, fish tacos, shrimp and the tacos al pastor, which are hard to find on Long island. There’s also a chicken taco and a vegetarian taco (grilled cactus).
That’s not to mention the mulitas menu. (Click here for the full menu.)
The Taco Fresco team is also especially proud of its handmade tortillas and house-made salsas and sauces.
“The ultimate goal for us is to have high-quality food at reasonable prices,” Tochluk had told Greater Long Island.
Top: Mike Tochluk outside his new Taco Fresco shop at 20 Railroad Ave. in Babylon. (Michael White)
