Fans of Papi's Tacos may want to get their fill this weekend because the Harford Road spot is dishing out its final tacos before undergoing a major transformation. According to an announcement by the restaurant chain, the northeast Baltimore Papi's Tacos will shut its doors on January 13th, preparing to reopen under a different guise: Alexander's Tavern. As reported by WMAR-2 News, the Lauraville eatery expressed excitement for its future, declaring its intentions via social media to introduce the longstanding Alexander's Tavern concept to the community, hinting at a new brand and new look.
Originally opened just a year ago, the Papi's Tacos location seemed to have missed the mark in satisfying the neighborhood's palate. "We are hoping that the concept was just a little off for what the neighborhood was looking for," Charlie Gjerde, owner of both Papi's Tacos and Alexander's Tavern, admitted in the interview reported by WBAL-TV. The transition to Alexander's Tavern, famed for its pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and other tavern fare, is part of Gjerde's strategy to align more closely with local tastes.
Emails, notifications, and posts inundated social media timelines, with Papi's Tacos SoHa Union revealing to its followers the changeover from Papi's to Alexander's. The restaurant celebrated its history in the location but divulged that the shift was in the best interest of the company, its employees, and the neighborhood. Papi's Tacos announced, "Although this location is changing, please don’t forget our other Papi’s locations in Fells Point, Hampden, and Towson," a reminder that while the Harford Road location is changing, the Papi's Tacos legacy is not left wanting, noted WMAR-2 News.
