Fargo residents celebrated the return of Taco John’s on January 5, 2024, at its new location on 4522 26th Ave. S. Friends Trinity Laughlin and Ella Johnson were among the first customers, eager to enjoy their favorite menu items after the previous franchise closed in June 2023. The pair waited in line for over half an hour, undeterred by the long drive-thru queue that extended nearly to 45th Street.
Having traveled extensively for their beloved Potato Olés, Laughlin and Johnson’s enthusiasm for Taco John’s is well-known. In an earlier interview, Johnson described their obsession, stating, “We’re just obsessed.” Their friendship blossomed at Men’s Hair Co. in West Fargo, where Laughlin works as a stylist and Johnson as a receptionist. They bonded over their mutual love for Taco John’s, which led them to embark on road trips to nearby towns like Wahpeton, N.D. and Detroit Lakes, Minn. to satisfy their cravings.
From Road Trips to Local Dining
The friends have logged nearly 1,000 miles on Taco John’s pilgrimages over the past two years. Their story gained attention in a November 2024 article, which prompted Taco John’s corporate team to send them promotional merchandise as a gesture of appreciation. “They sent us packages to our work last January and it was so cool,” Johnson recalled. The packages included items such as a Stanley tumbler, a hat, a $50 gift card, and stickers.
Since receiving these gifts, Laughlin and Johnson have continued to make multiple trips for Taco John’s food, estimating around seven additional visits since their initial article. When news broke last fall that the Pentex Restaurant Group planned to open a new Taco John’s in Fargo, excitement surged. “We were extremely happy when we heard of the locations opening in Fargo,” Laughlin stated, noting the simultaneous excitement they felt upon learning about the new outlets.
Excitement Builds with New Openings
On the evening of the grand opening, the friends joined the enthusiastic crowd to indulge in their favorite order of “Six Pack and a Pound” — which translates to six tacos and a pound of Potato Olés. “The food was amazing. It was so worth the wait,” Johnson said, who is now also pursuing a cosmetology degree with hopes of working alongside Laughlin at the salon.
Despite having Taco John’s available in their own neighborhood, the duo remains open to future road trips just for the fun of it. “We would definitely make more road trips just for the fun of it,” Johnson noted, emphasizing their love for the experience and the changing scenery. As they enjoy the convenience of local dining, their adventurous spirit for Taco John’s remains as strong as ever.
