Taco Republic opening in Johnson County: 50 people get a free taco a day for a year

Taco Republic will have a grand opening in Prairie Village on Thursday with giveaways.

The first 50 customers in line at the 11 a.m. opening receive a card for a free taco every day for a year, dine-in only, and one per family. It also will hand out 300 wristbands from 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, from 2 to 3 p.m. Friday, and from 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday — good for a free queso whenever they dine at that location during the next year.

The new Taco Republic softly opened on Monday in the former Arby’s building at 4100 W. 83rd St. It features a drive-thru and a large patio, with fire pits and cornhole games to come.

The menu includes street tacos, fajitas, Baja chopped salad with poblano ranch dressing, quesadillas, smothered burritos, and bowls.

Hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Mondays; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays. It also offers a limited menu for carryout and delivery online through ChowNow.

It is the second area location for Taco Republic.

Bread & Butter Concepts first opened Taco Republic in 2013 in Kansas City, Kansas, across from Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que. The company sold Taco Republic, Taco Republic Truck and BRGR Kitchen + Bar to Whitney VinZant in 2019.

VinZant also owns Louie’s Wine Dive in Overland Park and Va Bene Italian Eatery in Prairie Village. He recently purchased The Latin King Restaurant in Des Moines, Iowa, which was founded in 1947.