[ALERT] Louisiana Taco Spot Leases Space Where Texas Taco Spot Failed

A new restaurant called Tacos Awiwis is coming soon to the former Torchy's Tacos space at Star Metals (1055 Howell Mill Road) in West Midtown.  Texas-based Torchy's closed this past February after about sixteen months in business and now a Louisiana-based operator is bringing their Mexico City-inspired taco spot to the 4,350 square foot space.  

Tacos Awiwis is owned by Covington, Louisiana-based Habs Hospitality Group which entered the Atlanta market this past July with the debut of Habaneros at Spring Quarter at the corner of Spring and 10th Streets in Midtown.  Habaneros is described as a "Pan-Mexican" restaurant and offers lunch, dinner and weekend brunch in a space slightly smaller than the upcoming West Midtown eatery and with an all important patio, too.  

The original and currently only other Tacos Awiwis opened late this past March in Covington, Louisiana in an endcap space of a small strip center but features a drive-thru/ pick-up window.  The restaurant has already garnered more than 400 reviews on Google with an overall rating of 4.8 stars.   

Although we could not verify its size, the Covington location definitely seems smaller and less "upscale" than the trendy, new build West Midtown space.  

The Star Metals space already displays coming soon graphics for the new taco spot, but as of November 12, there are no permits on file with the City of Atlanta for any renovation of the space.

Given that the space was previously used as a taco spot and was only occupied briefly, it seems likely that only limited renovations will be needed and that the new restaurant could easily open early next year. 

Do you think Tacos Awiwis will find success where Torchy's failed?  Have you been to Habaneros in Midtown? What type of restaurant would you most like to see open in West Midtown?

Please share your thoughts below.