TokyoTaco co-founder Jordan Hajek to open second venue at Mooloolaba

A Sydney-based brand will bring its unique take on two cuisines on opposite sides of an ocean to the Sunshine Coast for the first time.

Artist's impression of TokyoTaco's upcoming Mooloolaba venue. Photo: TokyoTaco

A beachside precinct on the Sunshine Coast will become the backdrop of a unique fusion restaurant blending the flavours of Mexico and Japan.

Japanese-Mexican restaurant TokyoTaco will open its venue on the Mooloolaba Esplanade on June 18, becoming the second venue of the franchise after its success in Sydney.

Co-founder, Jordan Hajek they are confident in TokyoTaco becoming a “local favourite”, blending a “flavour-first approach” with the Sunshine Coast’s “laid-back rhythm” in the 80-seat venue.

TokyoTaco's menu offers a variety of dishes in a fusion of traditional Mexican and Japanese staples. Photo: TokyoTaco

Artist's impression of TokyoTaco's upcoming Mooloolaba venue. Photo: TokyoTaco

Mr Hajek said the brand’s success lies in the fusion of “creativity with craveability” in a “fast and fresh” dining experience.

He described his Sydney venue as a “cult favourite” after making waves following its 2022 opening in Newtown.

Mr Hajek said the business was genuinely excited to open in Mooloolaba and showcase Sunshine Coast produce working with “the best of Japanese and Australian producers”.

“Our product and brand is very beach orientated, we are bringing the best of TokyoTaco and more,” he said.

“We are passionate about not only the service but the vibrancy and the experience you get dining at TokyoTaco.”

The Mooloolaba menu offers a variety of low-gluten, vegetarian, protein-loving and plant-based options, where “sashimi meets salsa” and “nigiri meets nachos”.

Signature dishes likes miso baked salmon taco layered with Japanese mayo and caramelised chilli sauce, slow braised beef nachoSu topped with pico de gallo, and TacoFries are also featured.

TokyoTaco's menu offers a variety of dishes in a fusion of traditional Mexican and Japanese staples. Photo: TokyoTaco

TokyoTaco's menu offers a variety of dishes in a fusion of traditional Mexican and Japanese staples. Photo: TokyoTaco

“We’ve always believed in making food fun, fresh and full of flavour. Mooloolaba gives us the perfect backdrop to bring that philosophy to life,” Mr Hajek said.

“Our Mooloolaba venue is vibrant, outdoors, and it’s where people love to eat well. This space is everything we imagined a beachside TokyoTaco could be.”

The interior design aims for a balance between Japanese minimalism and Mexican warmth, featuring Mexico-imported terracotta tiles, earthy-toned tiles handmade in Nagoya, Japan and a mural painted by artist Charlie Nivison.

Internal and external seating as well as window perches and alfresco tables alongside coffee and a full-service bar make TokyoTaco a “versatile all-day spot”.

A variety of ordering options are available and TokyoTaco will give away 500 free tacos to those who order on the app on June 28 and 29.

Originally published as TokyoTaco co-founder Jordan Hajek to open second venue at Mooloolaba