Capital Tacos opens 5th Location in St. Pete

Capital Tacos, which launched in a small Pasco County storefront in 2013, has opened its fifth location in St. Petersburg. The ownership group spent no money to advertise the first location – yet the word got around fast.

The taco chain took over 5226 4th St. N, a spot previously occupied by several other restaurants including PieTopia and Uncle Maddio’s Pizza. The soft opening has been effective since mid July, said Josh Luger, a partner in Capital Tacos.

Capital Tacos serves Tex-Mex classics like queso, tacos, burritos, guacamole and nachos. A secret menu is available and frequent specials are offered that Luger describes as “goofy.” There’s a clock distinctively affixed to the wall, counting down to something worth waiting for. And on certain days, if you order in an Arnold Schwarzenegger Terminator voice, you get free food.

index2 — Photo courtesy of Capital Tacos

The new St. Pete restaurant is a 2,500-square-foot endcap, with 65 seats indoors. It offers online ordering, which launched at Capital Tacos’ Brandon location.

“One of the ideas we have here is to bring out more of what we do so it ties in with our food,” said Luger, referencing a new, custom toy that comes in kid’s meals along with the ability for kids to play pinball for free.

The taco chain’s typical prototype is 2,000 to 2,400 square feet, Luger said, and buildout costs range from $100,000 to more than $350,000. The St. Pete location is on the lower end of that range, Luger said.

The St. Pete location is the fifth of many stores to come for Capital Tacos. By the end of 2019, the chain plans to have anywhere from 12 to 20 locations throughout the state.