We are pleased as punch to welcome Tacopocalypse to both the Change family and to Des Moines' East Village.
Last Sunday, we sampled the savory-sweet goodness at their soft-launch brunch. Between bites, we talked with owner and master chef Sam Auen about the popularity of his Asian-inspired tacos, the launch of his first brick and mortar, and plans to take Tacopocalypse nationwide.
Korean Chicken and Waffles. Between the beer-based waffle, gingery chicken, and three (count 'em!) sauces atop, we were left speechless in gustatory delight.
Sam, what inspired you to open a Tacopocalypse storefront?
It started in April 2010 as a little Tuesday night thing in Cumming, Iowa, serving about 10-20 people, and over the years has grown into the need for a brick and mortar location.
Why did you choose Change for your POS system?
I have a commitment to keeping things as local as possible, when I heard there was a POS system being locally grown I had to look into it further. I have a few friends who are very happy using the Change interface, and the Change team has worked with me to add new features and tackle a few problems raised by the needs of my business. Local, great service, commitment to getting things right for each individual customer, and a small investment cost add up to a great product for small, independent business.
What's on the horizon for Tacopocalypse?
We are opening a second location in Fairfield, Iowa, within the next few months, and have people scouting locations in a few major cities for further expansion in the next 18 months. I hope to have Tacopocalypse in select cities coast to coast by 2017, as well as a few other concepts I have in the works.
A sneak peak into the new Tacopocalypse location at Des Moines Street and East Sixth.
Tacopocalypse opens in Des Moines' East Village (621 Des Moines Street) on Wednesday, August 28. Check Facebook for hours and make plans to visit. Their "devastatingly good tacos" and world fare are not to be missed.