A new Taco John’s restaurant opened its doors on January 5, 2024, at 4522 26th Ave. S. in Fargo, North Dakota, reigniting a local tradition for fans of the popular fast food chain. Friends Trinity Laughlin and Ella Johnson were among the first customers in line, eager to enjoy their beloved Potato Olés after a long wait since the last Taco John’s closed in the area in June 2023.
Both friends arrived after work around 20:00, joining a lengthy queue that extended nearly to 45th Street. Despite the 30-minute wait, the anticipation was palpable. Laughlin and Johnson ordered their usual—a Six Pack and a Pound, consisting of six tacos and a pound of Potato Olés—showcasing their commitment to the brand.
The friendship between Laughlin and Johnson blossomed while working at Men’s Hair Co. in West Fargo, where Laughlin is a stylist and Johnson serves as a receptionist. Their mutual appreciation for Taco John’s and the loss of the Fargo location led them to embark on road trips to other nearby Taco John’s in places like Wahpeton, North Dakota, and Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. In a story published in November 2024, they estimated traveling nearly 1,000 miles to satisfy their cravings for the restaurant’s offerings.
Their dedication to Taco John’s did not go unnoticed. The corporate team at Taco John’s sent them merchandise, including a stainless steel tumbler, hats, a $50 gift card, and stickers as a thank-you for their enthusiasm. “It was so cool,” said Johnson, reflecting on their surprise package.
Since then, the friends have continued to make trips for Taco John’s, adding an estimated seven more excursions to their list. When news broke last fall about the opening of a new Taco John’s by the Pentex Restaurant Group in the old Taco John’s location, they could hardly contain their excitement.
“We were extremely happy when we heard of the locations opening in Fargo,” Laughlin stated. The anticipation culminated in their visit on opening day, where they found the food met their expectations. “The food was amazing. It was so worth the wait,” Johnson remarked, now also a cosmetology student who aspires to work alongside Laughlin in the salon.
While they can now enjoy Taco John’s close to home, both friends express a willingness to continue their road trip tradition. “We would definitely make more road trips just for the fun of it,” Johnson added, emphasizing the joy of exploring new scenery while satisfying their cravings for Taco John’s.
With the resurgence of Taco John’s in Fargo, fans like Laughlin and Johnson are not just celebrating the return of a favorite fast food option; they are also cherishing the connection it fosters among friends and the community.
