New Taco-Themed Restaurant Coming to Downtown Gatlinburg
When TGI Fridays closed last year in Gatlinburg, it was quickly announced that a new concept by the Collier Restaurant Group was already in the works. At the time, though, details were few, other than the fact it would be a taco-themed restaurant. Well, “taco” is indeed the alliterative theme, as CRG introduced the name being Taco Trail Taqueria and Bar.
The company put out a statement saying they are prepping for a spring 2025 opening. It will feature a menu of Mexican-inspired options with a Smoky Mountain flair. That feel figures to include tacos, burritos, salads, bowls, and bar service. You know—like a typical Mexican establishment. But I’m sure the ingredients themselves will have that Smoky Mountain slant to the menu items.
One of the owners of Collier Restaurant Group, Elise Collier Massey, said this about their new concept: “Over the years as we’ve developed many concepts, we’ve always wanted to bring a taco-themed restaurant to our area. As a family-operated business, we’ve invested over 50 years in our community, and we look forward to another 50 with new concepts like Roma Table (in Sevierville) last year and Taco Trail to open this year.”
TGI Fridays also closed a Pigeon Forge location in January 2024, but it has not been revealed whether CRG will fill that empty space. The one in Gatlinburg was a staple on the Parkway for a quarter-century, opening in 1999.
Some people have expressed the lack of a need for another Mexican restaurant in Gatlinburg, but most can only name two: No Way Jose’s and Loco Burro. There’s actually four in town, with the other two being El Sonador and Estrella Hondumex (a Mexican/Honduran mix). Check out their website below to sign up for updates!
I don’t mind a new Mexican restaurant at all, and I can assure you, I will give it a chance when it opens this spring. I will also let you know what I think with a separate review when the opportunity arises. Until then, I will keep posting updates on my Facebook page when I notice any more progress on the building, and the emergence of a menu when it goes live. Stay tuned! Thank you for reading and subscribing, everyone!