Steve Christian and Cody Leutgens are Pender County natives who realized the Surf City area needed a great taco spot. They opened Shaka Taco nine years ago.
Since then, they've grown toinclude a Hampstead location, and golf course, as well as a hidden gem lunch location on the campus of the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
Now, there will be a more visible presence in New Hanover County. For most of 2026, they've been renovating and updating the former Trolly Stop location on Fountain Drive.
"Every time we're working here, we get half a dozen to a dozen people stopping by asking if we are open," Christian Leutgens said.
He's now telling them the grand opening is planned for Nov. 3 at 4502 Fountain Drive.
The owners signed the lease in February
and began work in March. It's mostly been a thorough cleaning, and adding a breezy coastal look, and replacing some of Trolly Stop's red-and-yellow look. Although the signature red roof to the patio remains, for now.
"It's kind of a funky look," Christian Leutgens said. "I like it."
Before the opening, they plan to add some more surf boards and hanging plants. The location will offer about 50 seats, most of which are on a covered, temperature-controlled patio. Inside, there are a few additional seats, as well as counter service and kiosk ordering.
Christian Leutgens said the kitchen is small, but the menu includes most of Shaka Taco's signature tacos, bowls, quesadillas and nachos, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and house-made sauces.
"We are going to have a fresh catch option daily and work with some local fishermen and purveyors," he said.
The partners said they were originally attracted by the existing, nearby presence at the university, and saw an opportunity to grow the brand from there.
"I call it coastal cuisine," Christian Leutgens said of Shaka Taco. "They're beach tacos. ... It's a good blend of North Carolina and Mexico."
It's a little Baja, with a bit of North Carolina (in the Eastern-style barbecue for the pork taco, for example).
For 2027, the partners will continue to build. After opening in Wilmington, they'd like to update the golf course and amenities in Hampstead, he said. They are also developing a sandwich concept in Surf City.
Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Popular surf-inspired taco restaurant expands in Wilmington
