Taco Heart is expanding its South Philadelphia footprint, bringing its “soul-feeding” Texas-style breakfast tacos to Ardmore this fall.
The taco joint will open in a stall at the Ardmore Farmers Market, an opportunity owner Nano Wheedan told What Now Philadelphia was the “perfect next step.”
“Breakfast tacos are a way of life. Once you grow accustomed to eating breakfast tacos, it is impossible to change,” Wheedan said.
However, that wasn’t always the case.
When Wheedan moved from Philadelphia to Austin, Texas, he missed Philly comfort classics like hoagies and Italian food. He was then introduced to something entirely different: the breakfast taco.
“I moved to Texas when I was 24 years old. I never had a fresh flour tortilla in my life. I’d never had a breakfast taco. I discovered that Mexican food is a world within itself. Tex-Mex is what I feel I love most. It’s really deep, delicious and comforting,” he said.
Upon moving back to Philadelphia, he said he enjoyed connecting with Texans who found themselves in the Northeast missing the food. He felt a personal connection to their experience, which reminded him of his own time in a new place discovering new food.
Taco Heart is known for its breakfast and lunch tacos, served on homemade flour, vegan flour or corn tortillas from Tortilleria San Roman. The menu also features bowls and quesadillas.
For first-timers, Wheedan recommends the “Migas” breakfast taco, made with scrambled eggs, tortilla chips, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, cheese and avocado. He also recommends “The Beca,” a classic take on a bacon, egg and cheese with avocado, which he describes as his “gateway drug.” For lunch, he suggests the chicken fajita taco.
The Ardmore location will serve the same South Philly favorites, with fresh flour tortillas made in front of guests. Wheedan also plans to work with a muralist to bring Taco Heart’s signature vibe to the stall.
He said he’s eager to continue introducing people to the breakfast tacos he’s grown to love.
“I’m excited about being in a new place. I’m excited about bringing our food to people who have never had it. It’s incredibly meaningful to give this thing I fell in love with in Texas and open other people’s minds to it,” Wheedan said.
Taco Heart plans to debut in the second week of October. Visit the website and follow along on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates.
