Hospitality Business Magazine

Flagship Taco Medic to open in downtown Auckland

After the successful opening of the Ponsonby store in January, Aucklanders are no stranger to the fresh and vibrant Puerto Escondido-inspired food from Taco Medic.

Now Taco Medic plans to open its fourth and flagship restaurant on August 10 on the prime downtown Auckland corner of Lower Albert and Quay Streets.

Founded by cousins Robbie McGillivray and Anthony Wilkins, Taco Medic brand’s success has gone from strength to strength.

The company went from humble beginnings in 2014 as a food truck operating out of a converted Mercedes Benz Sprinter, transforming to what it is now, four brick, and two motor locations dotted around the country. Founded by cousins Robbie McGillivray and Anthony Wilkins, the brand’s success has gone from strength to strength.

The restaurant will be the new flagship store in both size and design. The floor-to- ceiling windows and doors and sunny courtyard offer exceptional views of Auckland harbour and stimulate a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor areas.

Taco Medic’s interior contains a DJ booth for live music, a hand-painted feature wall, and restaurant seating flooded with natural light. The elements of recycled wood- coloured tiles and outdoor seating are a reflection of the brand itself – authentic, fresh and welcoming.

The store’s interior contains an impressive bar with an unparalleled selection of carefully curated cocktails based on the fresh fruits in season, various flavours of frozen margaritas, and a stellar line-up of New Zealand craft beers and wines. The food menu is also set to expand to include some exciting new Mexican-inspired dishes with the help of the newly appointed Group Executive Chef; Jean Brito.

“We’ve taken a bit of a different approach with this taqueria with a bigger focus on drinks. We’ve put a firecracker under this one and ended up with an experience that is clearly different to our other Auckland location. Definitely worth the visit.” says co- founder Ant Wilkins.

The Kiwi spin on the southwestern Mexican cuisine boasts a menu that stretches “Land”, “Ocean”, and “Soil”, handcrafted daily using only the freshest ingredients that are locally sourced and 100% gluten-free.

Whether it be grabbing a quick bite for lunch for those in the surrounding CBD offices, post-work drinks with co-workers, or enjoying dinner accompanied by an epic atmosphere, Taco Medic’s Quay Street store is set to offer an unmatched vibe for every occasion.