New Taco John's opening in Havre

After more than a year without one, Havre will soon again have a Taco John's.

The fast food chain will soon open a restaurant at the former Taco Time at 505 First St. W next to TownHouse Inn of Havre.

Megan Grundstrom, vice president of the Preferred Restaurant Group, a North Dakota-based Taco John's franchise that owns 15 restaurants, said they wanted to take over the Taco John's on Fifth Avenue when a local franchiser sought to get out of the business early last year. The deal, however, did not go through and the owner opened Tortilla Junction in that location.

Grundstrom said  Preferred Restaurants  was looking for a suitable location, when they found out last year  that the Taco Time property was for sale. She said the deal was closed last month.

Construction crews are now outfitting the building to conform with the Taco John's look.

"So we basically gutted it to a shell and it will come back as a Taco John's," she said.

The location will open Friday, Aug. 26, at  6 a.m. It's hours will be Sunday through Thursday 6 a.m to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 6 a.m. to midnight.

Grundstrom said the restaurant has already hired a general manager, but they are looking to hire about 25 more people for team member, supervisor and assistant manager positions.

People interested in working at the new restaurant can apply by visiting ilovetacojohn's.com on line.