Taco John's returns to former Kalispell location

Taco John’s is moving back into its old location on Main Street in Kalispell.

The Mexican-inspired national fast food chain restaurant will be returning to 150 North Main St., across from Moose’s Saloon.

Taco John’s occupied the space just two tenants ago. The building’s most recent occupant, another Mexican-inspired fast food restaurant named El Sombrero, replaced the last Taco John’s when it closed.

The Kalispell Building Department issued a permit in mid-June to the owner, North Dakota-based PRGA Properties, for a $255,000 restaurant remodel. The city collected $2,754 in fees from the building permit issuance.

The contractor performing the remodel is Minnesota-based Gray Companies Inc., and the architectural firm is Ohio-based Fisher Group Architects.

A man named John started the Taco John’s corporation as a single taco stand in Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1968, according to the company’s website. Two local businessmen later bought the franchise rights from John, and the company began to grow. Now, the company operates over 400 restaurants in 23 states.

The Kalispell Taco John’s location will be one of 22 in Montana. Other Taco John’s nearby include one in Browning and two in Missoula.

The corporate website has a link for applicants to submit resumes for jobs at the Kalispell location, which it says will be “opening soon.” Visit online at https://careers.tacojohns.com/location/3041/.

Reporter Peregrine Frissell can be reached at (406) 758-4438 or pfrissell@dailyinterlake.com.