Lexington restaurant closes; artisan taco restaurant to take its place

Buddy's Saucy Dogs at 5225 Sunset Blvd. in Lexington closed on Saturday but owner Jeff Zona already has plans for the space--and a new business partner in local restaurateur Arif Rizvi.

Together, the two plan to open artisan taco restaurant, One Taco, Two Taco in the space on Oct. 6. Zona and Rizvi originally planned to name the eatery Tacos and Tequillas. However, due to the restaurant's proximity to a church located across Sunset Boulevard, the restaurant has not been able to secure a liquor license, though is still hoping to, according to Rizvi.

"We're going to design some really cool tacos that nobody else has--an à la carte chef-inspired menu with 10 to 15 choices of tacos and three or four tortas or Mexican sandwiches," said Rizvi, who opened and previously owned Rue 77 on Assembly Street in Columbia. "I'm hoping Lexington is open to it and really gives us a chance to come in and make a difference."

Rizvi is currently renovating the Buddy's space, giving it a darker, cozier feel but one that is still family friendly, he said.

Across the street from the restaurant, Lowe's Foods has already broken ground on one of the two grocery stores the chain will operate in Lexington. The second Lowe's Foods location--which also has construction underway--will be across from Lexington High School on U.S. Hwy. 1.

This story was originally published August 30, 2016 at 1:59 PM with the headline "Lexington restaurant closes; artisan taco restaurant to take its place."