Taco-craving food lovers will soon have a new hangout in Greenville with the announcement of Willy Taco’s second location set to open by the end of this year.
The popular Spartanburg eatery known for its fresh, inventive tacos will open in the former Feed and Seed building at the corner of East Washington Street and Laurens Road.
Willy Taco Spartanburg opened in November 2014 with five partners. The concept was conceived by chef William Cribb, of Hub City favorite Cribbs Kitchen. Partners Kenneth Cribb, Richard Heatly, Bill Burton and Eric Holman each bring different skills and experience to the table.
Renovations to the Feed and Seed building are expected to begin sometime in the next 30 days and cost in excess of $1 million, said Heatly. The décor will be funky, similar to the Spartanburg location, and will feature a large bar area. The brick chimney with the Feed and Seed logo will remain and a large outdoor patio will be dog- and kid-friendly with plenty of on-site parking.
“There will be a great indoor/outdoor vibe to that building with a lot of energy,” said Heatly.
The Greenville location has been in the works “for quite a while” until the partners found the perfect location near downtown Greenville and in close proximity to the proposed extension of the GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail. “We looked at a lot of opportunities in Greenville,” said Heatly. “We want to be part of the of the excitement in the area.”
Willy Taco will lease the property from the Spinx Corporation, which has owned the 1.6-acre parcel since 1934.
Parking was one of the main drivers in choosing that location, said Heatly. “We knew going to that location, we needed to have a lot of parking.” Part of the back of the existing building will be demolished and the parking lot redone to make room for more than 100 parking spaces.
Willy Taco has already launched a social media campaign for the new restaurant on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Once construction starts, photos and updates will be posted so customers can follow along on the progress.
