Tacology 101 is closing its downtown Springfield location, effective Oct. 31, and will open a new, larger west-side restaurant in November known as Tacology 201.
In July, SBJ reported that a space in the West Iles Business Center was currently undergoing renovations in preparation for a new tenant. At the time, James Hamilton, who co-owns the business along with his wife, Toni, and mother, Sue Hamilton, would not comment on plans for the business.
In a written statement released on Sept. 14, Toni Hamilton said, “Although we have loved our quaint downtown location over the past three years, we are looking forward to more space. For comparison, our new kitchen alone will be larger than our dining room (and kitchen now) combined.”
Tacology 201 will occupy 3,800 square feet at 3266 W. Iles Ave., a portion of the 6,000-square-foot space that was initially built out for Little Minds Learning Center. Ben Call, a broker with The Real Estate Group, was the developer for the strip center, which was completed in 2017. Daycare franchise Little Minds Learning Center was initially planned as the anchor tenant, but Call said that the business “paid rent for two months and never opened at all.” After what he described as a “long, drawn-out court battle,” he said the owners of the center decided to “move in a different direction,” which led to discussions with several potential tenants to take over the space, including Hamilton.
“Whether it’s our tacos, enchiladas, or our newest birria-ramen fusion, we are committed to bringing delicious, 100% house-made creative food to Springfield,” said James Hamilton. “The expansion is a dream come true for us, as it is a testament that the Springfield area has embraced ‘a new class of tacos.’”
Tacology 201 will continue to support downtown businesses by offering a selection of beverages from Buzz Bomb Brewing and Anvil & Forge Brewing and Distilling, as well as incorporating produce from the Old Capitol Farmers Market into menu items. The new restaurant will also be adding a brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays.
