Aug. 23—Blake Vickers

Downtown Richmond just got a healthy serving of tacos and other tasty Mexican cuisine, as the popular Tacos El Paisa food truck has opened a restaurant at 236 West Main Street (where Burgher Burger used to be).

The grand opening was held just in time for lunch on Aug. 22. A healthy crowd developed inside the new restaurant within 30 minutes.

While Tacos El Paisa might have "taco" in their name, they are not the only authentic Mexican street food that the restaurant serves up.

"You better believe we'll have the same great tacos, quesadillas and tortas you know and Also note that our new business number has changed so you can place carry out orders," the restaurant announced of their opening on Facebook. That phone number is now 859-408-7884.

Among those who got lunch at Tacos El Paisa's opening were Madison County Deputy Judge Executive Jill Williams and Madison County Human Resources Coordinator Morgan Elliston.

"It's always nice when you see new businesses open. That's a reflection of what a great community we live in. You've got vacant space downtown and you've got somebody taking that vacant space and obviously they already have a following. When you have a bit of ready made business it only makes them more and more successful. We're excited and always like supporting local businesses," Williams said.

"We're excited for the opportunity to support a local business... It's good to have a location just across the street from us," Elliston said, echoing Williams.

Downtown revitalization has been an oft discussed topic in county and city government. It resurfaced again in a Richmond City Commission Workshop meeting last week, as the commission discussed some of the vacant properties that are currently sitting downtown.

Several potential methods of filling those vacancies were discussed in the meeting — including an abandoned property tax and having the property owners to have a plan for the buildings and put for rent signs up to show that they are trying to do something about the vacancies. This would let them avoid the fines and taxes.

The building that Tacos El Paisa now calls home had been vacant since March of 2021 with the closing of Burgher Burger.

The scene on Monday afternoon was a stark contrast to the one present in property in the last year. As tacos, quesadillas, burritos, tortas, sopes and more were served out to an excited and animated crowd.

Specialty Mexican drinks like Jarritos and Horchata are also served at Tacos El Paisa.