Flagship Location to Feature Tacofino’s Celebrated Mexican-inspired Fare,
Patio, Full Bar and Lounge and Separate Take-Out Entrance
The West Coast’s beloved Tacofino is set to serve up its signature brand of eclectic, Mexican-inspired cuisine in downtown Vancouver this January when it officially unfolds its new flagship Taco Bar in a fully restored heritage space in historic Gastown.
Located in Blood Alley Square on the site of former Gastown landmark Pig & Whistle, the Taco Bar will boast 3,000 square feet of space, a heritage brick façade and interior as well as a 420-square foot patio. The new space is best described as two restaurants in one: the main entrance opens on to an 80-seat dining room and lounge with an expansive 20-seat bar featuring tequila- and mezcal-forward cocktails, eight taps with a selection of local beers and Mexican and import cerveza available by the bottle and can, while a separate entrance at 15 West Cordova preserves the spirit of the iconic Tacofino food trucks by offering grab-and-go burritos and tacos.
“This is definitely an exciting new chapter in our ongoing story,” said Tacofino co-founder Kaeli Robinsong, who first launched the Tacofino brand with Jason Sussman when the duo opened the original Tacofino Cantina food truck in Tofino in 2009. Five years later, Tacofino has become a phenomenon, encompassing four food trucks, three restaurants, a loyal following and a lineup of products that are Ocean Wise-approved, antibiotic- and hormone-free, raised ethically and made locally. “We’re looking forward to showcasing our new space and unveiling an expanded menu that will offer Tacofino favourites alongside some new and imaginative dishes and share plates.”
Taco Bar owners Sussman, Robinsong, Matt MacIsaac and Ryan Spong have added industry veteran Gino Di Domenico to the team as Managing Partner. Anthony Sternewill oversee the day-to-day as General Manager, while Justin Darnes will take the reins as Bar Manager.
Décor-wise, Vancouver designer Shiloh Sukkau took great care in migrating the laid-back, laissez-faire elements of beach retreats like Tofino, Baja and SoCal to the new space, using light wood, imported beige and light-brown tile with splashes of green, cement breeze blocks and handmade lights to invoke an authentic air of sun, sand and surf throughout the restaurant.
To follow the latest developments on the Taco Bar opening, become a fan of /TacofinoCommissary on Facebook or follow @TacofinoVAN on Twitter and @tacofinovancouver on Instagram.
About Tacofino
Located in the heart of Vancouver’s historic Gastown district, the Taco Bar is the latest venture by Tacofino co-founders Jason Sussman and Kaeli Robinsong, who have been serving up their unique brand of eclectic, Mexican-inspired cuisine since opening the original Tacofino Cantina in Tofino, BC in 2009. The Taco Bar features twin entrances — a main entrance off Blood Alley Square that opens on a 20-seat patio and 80-seat dining room and lounge and another for take-out service on West Cordova Street — as well as two dedicated kitchens, a full bar and the trademark Tacofino fusion of sun-dappled, surf-centric spirit and quality, fresh and affordable fare with an environmental and nutritional conscience.
