South Depot Taco Shop

The finishing touches are being added to South Depot Taco Shop.

OXFORD, Miss.—The new restaurant South Depot Taco Shop plans to open its doors on the square in early March and will offer different and healthy food options.

            The restaurant is focused on providing quality food at reasonable prices. The taco shop will be based on a build-your-own tacos and burritos concept, but will also offer quesadillas, salads, and more.

            “This is not your run-of-the-mill taco or burrito store, but rather a combination of different healthy and ethnic food types, including fish and tofu,” said Trey Horne, co-owner of the South Depot Taco Shop.

            Despite the fact that many restaurants around Oxford are closing due to tough economical times, the owners of South Depot Taco Shop think the restaurant will strive. Horne said, they have done their research and found that the fast, casual restaurant segment has grown rapidly throughout the country, even through today’s tough economical times.

            South Depot Taco Shop plans to attract customers by providing a fun and comfortable atmosphere. The owners have worked to build the restaurant from scratch. They want to provide customers with a cross-cultural experience, while offering value and convenience. All menu items will be made right in front of the customers. The restaurant will also have a modern spin on technology.

            “We plan to introduce a table side technology piece that will allow for members of our staff to quickly and easily reorder or add to a customer’s tab at the table side,” said Rob Carpenter, co-owner of South Depot Taco Shop.

            The owners of South Depot Taco Shop, Horne and Carpenter, are Ole Miss graduates and are excited to start a business in Oxford. They believe that Oxford is known for having great restaurants that are not large chains. The owners plan to keep this tradition, but add in some variety.

To complement the unique taco shop atmosphere, the restaurant will also have a large, back patio. Cold beer and hand-shaken margaritas will also be available. The owners feel the new restaurant is exactly what the square needs.

            “My friends are always looking for a laid-back place where we can hang out, eat, and drink,” said Sally White, a senior exercise science major. “All I ever want to do on pretty Saturdays in the spring is sit outside on the square.”

            South Depot Taco Shop is located in the old Classy Creations building, across from The Library Bar and Grill. The owners have not confirmed a precise opening date, but are anticipating opening in the next few weeks. The restaurant in now hiring and accepting job applications on its website, www.southdepottacoshop.com.

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