After a little less than a year at Optimist Hall, Marina’s Tapas — the spot from the team behind Customshop — closed on Nov. 15. However, a new concept is swooping in to take its place. Southwest-inspired taco joint Comal Taco Co. is slated to open in December at Optimist Hall in the food stall formerly home to Marina’s Tapas, according to a release.
Shang Skipper, known for work at Fox Restaurant Concepts and Mac’s Hospitality Group, will own and operate the new concept. Andres Kaifer of Marina’s Tapas and Customshop will also be a partner in the venture, designing the menus and providing management support for the Comal team.
“It’s been a privilege sharing my family’s stories and recipes through Marina’s. I love Shang’s idea for a taco concept and I believe it will be super successful at Optimist Hall,” Kaifer said in the release. “I’m looking forward to working with Shang and bringing his vision for simple high-quality tacos to life in the space.” “
Comal is a nod to the traditional Mexican griddle used for cooking tortillas. In terms of menu, expect to see a variety of tacos, dips and Arizona’s signature cheese crisp. Tortillas and chip;s will be locally-sourced from De La Vega Tortillas.
The beverage program will focus on signature sangrias and beer.
“Comal is all about celebrating bold, simple flavors inspired by the time I spent, and the food I loved, in Mexico and the American Southwest,” Skipper said in the release. “Optimist Hall has many incredible options, but it’s missing a laid-back taco spot, and Comal will fit the bill.”
Optimist Hall has been operating since 2019. Comal will be joining other current tenants, including Ava Pizzeria, Bao & Broth, Botiwalla, Collier Candy Co., Dumpling Lady, ESO Artisanal Pasta, Felix Empanadas, Harriet’s Hamburgers, Honeysuckle Gelato, Noble Smoke Barbecue, Papi Queso, Poppycox, Suárez Bakery & Barra, Schreiber’s on Rye, The Bar at Optimist Hall, Undercurrent Coffee, Village Juice, and Zukku Sushi.
“We’re thrilled this team has chosen to work with us to introduce Comal,” Merritt Lancaster, partner in Optimist Hall, said in the release. “This new concept featuring bold, authentic flavors and creativity brings a unique culinary experience to Optimist Hall, further reinforcing our commitment to offering diverse, high-quality cuisines.”
Kaifer and the Customshop team are also working on opening their new wine bar concept Emmy Lou’s, which is slated to open soon in Dilworth.
