Phatt Taco is making a comeback later this year. After several locations throughout the city, owner Jose Becerra believes he’s found the perfect spot to run his business seven days of the week. Phatt Taco will reopen in Westerville, eventually rebranding (for the second time) to “Tostadalicious.”
The process started almost a year ago, when Becerra’s three-year lease was up at 50 N. High St. Downtown. It was never the perfect fit for Phatt Taco. With no liquor license, they had a hard time attracting a dinner crowd. Weekends were even worse.
The fast food restaurant used to be on campus, but it was known back then as Phatt Wraps, selling wraps and tacos to the university population. Development in the area led Becerra to his spot Downtown, where he rebranded as Phatt Taco. Shortly after, he made a spur of the moment business decision that would end up taking Phatt Taco down a new path — again.
“I was looking around at a Mexican restaurant and saw some tostadas. I went back to the store and was just making some for myself and a customer saw it,” Becerra recalled. “He said ‘What is that? I’ll try that.’ And the next person in line said, ‘I’ll get that too,’ and it just hit me right there.”
So “Tostadalicious” was coined. They sell the items in red Chinese takeout boxes, with all the fixings on the bottom and the tostadas on top. Guests choose their sauce to finish it off. It’s sold as “Mexican food with a healthy twist,” as it’s gluten free and uses turmeric for the rice, coconut butter for all the house-braised meats, and “vegenaise” rather than mayonnaise.
The name is still in its transition period, as customers are calling the restaurant both “Phatt Taco” and “Tostadalicious.” Becerra imagines it’ll come along organically.
Their new location in Westerville, near Otterbein University at 20 S. State St., is about half the size of their old Downtown store. At 1,100 square feet, the space will seat 15 people inside and 15 more on the patio outside.
Once open in November, Phatt Taco/Tostadalicious will operate Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and have extended hours on the weekend.
For more information, visit their Facebook page.