Wilmington

Shaka Taco Planning New Wilmington Location Near UNCW

Known for its coastal taco menu, this concept is expanding with a new location in Wilmington.

Image from Shaka Taco website

WILMINGTON, NC — Shaka Taco is preparing to open a new location at 4502 Fountain Drive Wilmington, NC 28403, bringing its coastal taco concept to a standalone space near the University of North Carolina Wilmington, co-owner Steve Christian told Business Debut.

The team is targeting a late spring to early summer opening as construction continues.

What to Expect

The new Wilmington location will operate as a quick-service restaurant with limited indoor seating and a larger covered outdoor porch designed to reflect the brand’s coastal roots. The restaurant will be open seven days a week, focusing on lunch and dinner service at launch.

Shaka Taco’s menu centers on tacos, burritos, and bowls with a focus on fresh seafood, house-made sauces, and condiments. Guests can expect options like Baja fish tacos, shrimp tacos, steak and chicken varieties, along with customizable burritos and bowls featuring rice, beans, and fresh toppings.

The menu also includes sides such as chips with queso and house-made salsas, along with rotating specials. The concept traces back to Surf City, where Christian and co-owner Cody Leutgens first launched the business out of a small, modified space connected to a surf shop.

Christian said the idea was rooted in improving the local food scene. “I knew what the cuisine offered on Topsail Island, and it wasn’t great,” Christian told Business Debut. “So it was like, let’s open up a taco joint where we can work with the local fish market and serve some fresh eats and fresh vibes.”

Christian, who grew up working in kitchens, said the concept quickly gained traction by focusing on quality and consistency. “We take pride in what we do,” he told Business Debut.

Opening Timeline

Christian said the team is currently renovating the space, including expanding the kitchen and adjusting the service flow. He told Business Debut the goal is to open in late spring or early summer once construction and equipment installation are complete.