A popular Mexican restaurant in Seymour is expanding to downtown Ansonia.
Bert Volpacchio, owner of Hot Tamale restaurant, plans to open a taqueria express on Main Street in Ansonia this fall.
The eatery will be located between Eddy Bake Shop and Arrow Printers.
“It’s basically going to be 60 percent of the current Hot Tamale’s menu,” Volpacchio said Tuesday. “We’re going to focus on tacos and burritos. There will be a selection of 15 different burritos. Salads, burrito bowls, and a few entrees from Hot Tamale.”
The taqueria will seat about 20 people, and will have counter service, and take-out meals.
Volpacchio plans to serve beer and wine, but there won’t be a bar like Hot Tamale in Seymour has.
The Seymour location, on Route 67 near North Street, seats 100 people, and another 40 to 50 on an outdoor patio.
Ansonia
Volpacchio, who moved to Seymour six years ago, opened Hot Tamale in 2007.
He said he decided to expand into the lower Valley to reach out to new customers, and to give current customers an option for a quick meal when they’re in Ansonia and Derby.
“As far as expansion goes, we felt this was the way to go,” Volpacchio said.
Volpacchio said other new business, such as Antonio’s Restaurant, made the environment in Ansonia better for new food options.
Downtown Ansonia also has the popular and critically-acclaimed “Crave” restaurant — and the busting Lanza’s restaurant on East Main Street.
“We’re starting to see some good restaurants down there,” Volpacchio said. “The more restaurants in a little area, the better for everyone.”
Volpacchio plans to open in late October.
