On January 5, 2024, Taco John’s officially reopened in Fargo, North Dakota, drawing excited customers eager to indulge in their favorite menu items. Among the first to arrive were Trinity Laughlin and Ella Johnson, two friends who had eagerly awaited the return of the fast-food chain since its previous location closed in June 2023.
After finishing work, Laughlin and Johnson joined a long line of fellow enthusiasts at 4522 26th Ave. S., where the new Taco John’s opened its doors. The drive-thru line extended nearly to 45th Street, but the friends remained undeterred, waiting about thirty minutes for their usual order: a Six Pack and a Pound, which consists of six tacos and a pound of the beloved Potato Olés.
Road Trip Warriors Celebrate Local Opening
For these two Taco John’s devotees, the wait was trivial. Over the past two years, they have traveled well over a thousand miles to satisfy their cravings for the restaurant’s signature dishes. “We’re just obsessed,” Johnson remarked in an earlier interview. Their shared love for Taco John’s began while they worked together at Men’s Hair Co. in West Fargo, where Laughlin is a stylist and Johnson serves as a receptionist.
After the original franchisee closed their doors, the duo became what they call “quesadilla commuters,” taking road trips to locations in nearby towns like Wahpeton, North Dakota, and Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. In a November 2024 article, they estimated they had driven nearly 1,000 miles seeking out their favorite fast food. Their dedication did not go unnoticed; Taco John’s corporate headquarters sent them merchandise, including a Stanley tumbler, a hat, a $50 gift card, and stickers.
“They sent us packages to our work last January and it was so cool,” Johnson recalled. “And a cute taco keychain,” added Laughlin. Since then, they have made at least seven additional trips together, relishing Taco John’s crispy tacos and trademark tater crowns.
Fans Rejoice at New Location and Future Plans
The news of the new Taco John’s location was met with excitement by Laughlin and Johnson. When the Pentex Restaurant Group announced plans to open the franchise in a former Taco John’s building along 45th Street South, they could hardly contain their joy. “We were extremely happy when we heard of the locations opening in Fargo,” Laughlin said, noting that they both contacted each other simultaneously to express their excitement.
On opening day, they arrived promptly after work and were satisfied with their experience. “The food was amazing. It was so worth the wait,” Johnson said. She is now also a cosmetology student, aspiring to work alongside Laughlin at the salon.
Though Taco John’s has returned to their backyard, Johnson and Laughlin are not ruling out future road trips. “We would definitely make more road trips just for the fun of it,” Johnson stated, expressing their enthusiasm for new adventures and the joy of exploring other locations.
The reopening of Taco John’s in Fargo marks a significant moment for local fans who had longed for its return. Laughlin and Johnson’s story of dedication and friendship highlights the unique connection many have with their favorite fast food chains, proving that sometimes, a craving can lead to unforgettable journeys.
