Minden restaurant holds grand opening

Taco John's restaurant brings the fresh taste of West-Mex to Minden.

"Taco John's is a totally different taste of fast food Mexican, a little spicier. A West-Mex attitude and taste," said owner Paul Studebaker. "All sauces are made fresh daily. We fry the shells for taco salads, tacos and nacho chips every day. It's not out of a box."

The restaurant, which held a soft opening on Jan. 11, offers a variety of salads with a choice of meat or chicken with a selection of dressings. Featured favorites are the salsa bar, taco burgers, nachos, Potato Olés, tacos, burritos, salads and desserts such as Choco Tacos and churros.

"Potato Olés are in 85 percent of every order," he said. "They're steaming hot and seasoned twice. We go through tons of them.

Taco John's is open at 6 a.m. to serve breakfast burritos with eggs and a choice of meat.

Studebaker said Taco John's uses only corporation-approved California grown produce.

"We're careful how we prepare food - we're extremely safe," he said. "We have a certified food manager on duty. It's the single most important thing in the restaurant business."

It is the corporate policy of the Cheyenne, Wyo., restaurant chain to encourage its franchises to support local communities.

The Minden Taco John's gave out $5 "Thank A Teacher" certificates through the Douglas County School District and Studebaker has plans for student incentive projects such as "Tacos for A's" and "Reading is Fun."

"We might do a program for seniors or 'Thank A Fireman or Policeman,'" he said. "We're part of the community. We support what you guys are doing."

Taco John's celebrates its grand opening with daily specials from 5 to 9 p.m. through July 14. Taco John's is at 1670 Highway 395, Minden, and is open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Information at 782-4901.

What: Taco John's

Where: 1670 Highway 395, Minden

When: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

Info: 782-4901