Loco & Taco reopens after months of recovery from Sinlaku

After months of repairs and recovery from Typhoon Sinlaku, Loco & Taco restaurant along Beach Road in Garapan reopened last Sept. 15, welcoming customers back with repaired facilities, new menu offerings, and affordable meal specials.

The restaurant, located across from the former Paseo de Marianas, sustained significant damage when Sinlaku struck the CNMI in April.

Loco & Taco staff Jamie Gutierrez said the restaurant had to remain closed for several months while employees worked to repair the damage and prepare for reopening.

Gutierrez said the restaurant needed several months for repairs, cleaning, and preparations before it could safely reopen.

"Our restaurant sustained significant damage from the typhoon. The back roofing was completely damaged, blown away by the strong winds," Gutierrez said.

"Our outdoor dining area also suffered damage where the signages were blown away by the strong winds."

Tables and chairs were also scattered by the powerful winds.

Gutierrez said repairing the damage, covering unexpected expenses, and preparing the restaurant for reopening were among the biggest challenges.

Fellow server, bartender, and cashier Irene Espina said reopening required considerable work and investment, including repairs, cleaning, replacing damaged equipment, and improving the restaurant's facilities.

"It took a lot of hard work, time, and investment to get Loco & Taco ready to reopen," Espina said.

"We focused on our repairs, cleaning, replacement equipment, making improvements, and also developing new menu items."

The restaurant did not provide a dollar amount for the damage or the cost of repairs.

Espina said teamwork and determination helped the restaurant overcome the challenges and resume operations.

"Most importantly, it took teamwork, patience, and determination to get back on our feet and welcome our customers once again," she said.

Espina said employees were happy to see customers returning after the long closure.

"After months of challenges and recovery, seeing familiar faces once again, it gives us hope and reminds us why we never gave up," she said.

She said the restaurant has introduced new menu offerings, including a $10 meal special, to provide customers with affordable dining options.

Meanwhile, Gutierrez said Loco & Taco continues to offer its popular tacos and plate meals, including garlic steak, mochiko chicken, and loco moco.

"Our bestseller is the tacos, especially the tacos," Gutierrez said.

The restaurant also offers fish and beef taco specials every Tuesday and Sunday for $2.50 each.

Gutierrez said Tuesdays and Sundays have been particularly popular with customers since the restaurant reopened.

She said customers have been excited to return after the months-long closure.

Loco & Taco is open Monday through Saturday from 11am to 2pm for lunch and 5pm to 9pm for dinner. On Sundays, it is open for dinner only, from 5pm to 9pm.

The restaurant offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery services.

Gutierrez said free delivery is available for orders exceeding $20 within the restaurant's regular delivery area, which includes Garapan and extends toward San Antonio. Deliveries to farther locations may be arranged for an additional charge depending on the distance.

Customers can place orders or make inquiries by calling (670) 233-5233. Loco & Taco can also be found on Facebook and Instagram under the name Loco & Taco.