Owners of Taco City to Open Encanto in December
The restaurant will debut in the former Red Robin space at 9870 Von Allmen Court this winter.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Dining Out
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Restaurant owners Oscar and Benigno Estrada are set to open their new concept, Encanto, in Louisville during the second week of December 2026. The new establishment will occupy the site formerly home to a Red Robin Gourmet Burger & Brews.
Why it matters
The venture marks an expansion for the brothers, who aim to offer a more formal, sit-down dining experience compared to their existing casual taco chain. They spent three years developing the concept to diversify their local offerings.
Encanto will serve upscale menu items such as bone marrow with esquites and 20 oz bone-in ribeye. The restaurant is scheduled for weekday operations from 5-10:30 p.m.
The players
Oscar Estrada
He is a restaurant owner and co-founder of the Taco City chain.
Benigno Estrada
He is a restaurant owner who manages the expansion of the Taco City brand.
Taco City
This Louisville-based restaurant chain currently operates four locations and was recognized by USA Today in 2026.
The details
The restaurant will feature live entertainment, including weekend mariachi bands, to enhance the atmosphere for guests. Its menu focuses on high-end plates such as ceviches and premium cuts of steak to distinguish it from the owners' fast-casual brand.
Timeline
Taco City opened its first location in 2018.
USA Today named Taco City a top taco spot on October 16, 2026.
Encanto is expected to open during the second week of December 2026.
Culture Shift
The transition from a casual taco chain to a sit-down concept reflects a broader industry movement among successful restaurateurs to elevate their brand profile. This shift follows the national recognition of the USA Today top taco spots, pushing operators to diversify their guest experience.
Residents can expect a new dining option at 9870 Von Allmen Court offering a full-service experience distinct from fast-casual alternatives. The establishment will introduce weekend live entertainment to the area's evening dining landscape.
The takeaway
Expanding from a specialized taco chain to a full-service restaurant allows owners to capture a different segment of the evening dining market. Local diners looking for a sit-down experience can anticipate a menu focused on premium steak and traditional accompaniments.
What happens next
Encanto is scheduled to open its doors to the public during the second week of December 2026.
Further reading
Explore the local culinary scene in the Louisville Dining Out section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Courier-Journal.
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