America's Taco Shop is heading back to Phoenix's Melrose District this month, taking over the longtime Melrose Kitchen space at 4306 N. Seventh Ave. The move marks the restaurant's first Melrose presence since its 7th Avenue location closed in 2014. Owners plan to start with limited hours while the team settles into the new digs, then gradually ramp up service.
According to Axios, owners America Corrales and Terry Bortin confirmed both the address and the reopening timeline. Bortin told the outlet, "Happy to be back in the Melrose neighborhood, which is probably my favorite neighborhood that we've ever been in," adding that they would also like to bring back a location near ASU in Tempe down the road.
The chain's history on 7th Avenue has been bumpy. The Melrose-area shop closed in 2014 amid a lease dispute and broader financial problems, according to earlier reporting from KJZZ. That coverage noted the landlord was seeking a sharp rent hike and that the business had faced tax and licensing troubles in the years leading up to the shutdown.
Where It's Opening
The new America's Taco Shop is moving into the former Melrose Kitchen address at 4306 N. 7th Ave, right on the Melrose stretch of 7th Avenue. Local directories and restaurant listings for Melrose Kitchen show that address and reflect the tenant change on the block, as seen in the Melrose Kitchen page on Tripadvisor.
Why It Matters
The Melrose District, the segment of 7th Avenue between Camelback Road and Indian School Road, is a compact run of shops, cafes, and neighborhood events such as the Melrose Street Fair that help keep foot traffic steady. The Seventh Avenue Merchants Association describes the corridor as a vibrant local hub, giving a returning fixture like America's Taco Shop a prime perch to reconnect with longtime regulars and introduce itself to new neighbors. You can find the association's overview here.
Owners plan to launch the Melrose shop with limited hours and expand as operations stabilize, Axios reports. For diners who remember the original 7th Avenue counter, the comeback offers a familiar stop in a neighborhood that has been steadily evolving.
