Mexican food is available in downtown Barrie no matter how fast or late you want it.
Yo!! Taco opened in mid-April at 3 Clapperton St., near the Five Points, and so far owner Alexandra Hunter says she's happy with how things have started.
When compared with how her ownership began at the Orillia location, this had to be easier.
“About a week before we actually signed the paperwork to take over the restaurant in Orillia, I found out I was pregnant with my son,” Hunter said. “I had to decide between my family or my dream and, with the help of my fiancé, I was able to do both.”
Yo!! Taco specializes in tacos, burritos, quesadillas and salads.
There are also special days with deals, including the obvious Taco Tuesday (buy two get one free).
But Hunter believes another great feature for the restaurant is the hours.
“With the Barrie store, we realized we were surrounded by many bars and college students leaving those establishments, so we’re open until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays,” she said. “It is just a different option for anyone looking for a quick bite before heading home and needing to get some food into them after a night of partying.”
Hunter once worked for the owner of the Orillia location, but had a desire to take the helm of her own restaurant business.
In 2017, she switched careers completely in order to achieve her goal and faced the challenges head on that come with that.
“I had a previous career in real estate that helped me financially support taking over and then opening my own restaurant,” said 26-year-old Hunter. “It was difficult taking on previous staff and being the same age as them. A lot of them were already planning on leaving before we took over so then it was a task to train new people.”
Hunter continued to build the customer base in Orillia, but living in Barrie and having a young family, she wanted to be able to have her passion locally as well.
“All my friends are here and can’t always make it up to Orillia all the time, so this allows them to support us,” said Hunter.
“Obviously, with commuting, this is easier for me and I only go up to Orillia two or three times a week," she added. "I have a really great manager up there and that allows me to be in Barrie with my family more often.”
