Taqueria La Tapatia Mexican Taqueria has relocated from 812 S. College Road to nearby South College Marketplace, a retail center anchored by Harris Teeter at 820 S. College Road.

La Tapatia replaces the now-closed Cabo Mexican Grill, which was under the same ownership. Owner Jorge Villa, who also operates Cancun Mexican Restaurant in Sneads Ferry and Camino Real in Surf City, said that the lease at La Tapatia’s previous location was up and Cabo just wasn’t doing as well as it needed to.

“I think we just had too much competition with that concept,” said Villa, referring to Cabo’s West Coast/Baja fare featuring customized Mexican standards such as burritos and quesidillas. “With both Moe’s and Flaming Amy’s nearby we just weren’t doing the kind of volume that we needed to be doing.”

La Tapatia, now in its eighth year, also features a fast casual menu but with more traditional Mexican fare. Tacos, sopes, quesidillas, tortas, huaraches, tostadas and burritos as well as several soups seafood dishes are prepared fresh daily. All items are made to order and can be prepared with a variety of proteins such as pollo, carne asada, al pastor, carnitas and chorizo.

Villa explained that the move allows La Tapatia to offer customers a bigger space and a better overall experience. The new location has a larger dining area, an outdoor patio and more parking. According to Villa, the restaurant has already seen a steady increase in business at the new location.

Villa has added a lunch menu, something that was not offered previously. The majority of lunch items are $5.99. There is a children’s menu and both draft and bottled beers are available.

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