BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Lloyd Taco Truck is off to a great start in 2015. The business is being featured on CNBC's "Restaurant Startup" and now they are expanding their operations by opening a restaurant on Hertel Avenue. Lloyd Taco Truck co-founder Peter Cimino laid out his plan Tuesday to Buffalo Common Council.
"Our intent is to take over the space in that plaza, essentially extend the food trucks to a 50-seat quick service-style restaurant with a bar, and also to make use of the existing patio there," said Cimino.
Common Council approved the plan.
The new restaurant and bar will be near the corner of Hertel and Sterling, in the old Caramici's Bistro & Bakery building. The landlord and co-owner of the Blue Monk, Kevin Brinkworth, said this will become Lloyd's headquarters.
"They're going to take their entire cold prep and commissary area from somewhere over on the west side to here at the back of the building. Hopefully, this will be their first of many locations to come," Brinkworth said.
Common Council member Michael LoCurto said his constituents have been buzzing about Lloyd coming to Hertel. He said he's not surprised at their choice of location.
"There's a lot of attractions there. It's still an old-fashioned walkable neighborhood, and people like that," LoCurto said.
Brinkworth says Lloyd will open its restaurant on April 1. By May 1, Brinkworth plans to open a restaurant and bar of his own on the same block, replacing the old Sterling Place Tavern. He said the restaurant does not yet have a name, but will have the same look and feel as the Blue Monk with a wide assortment of craft beers.
With all of the new development, Brinkworth says he sees a bright future on Hertel.
"It's really coming back. I see it sort of developing into the new Elmwood Village," Brinkworth said.
Cimino declined to be interviewed, saying he cannot speak to the media until after Lloyd is done with "Restaurant Startup." According to CNBC's website, their episode will air Feb. 10 at 10 p.m.