Back in business
Local Taco Time fast-food place up and running

By Katie Pizza
Argus Observer
Monday, March 9, 2009 10:56 AM PDT

Ontario Taco Time owner Karl Bomberger, manager Tanna Kruck and employee Willis Lester prepare food at the Ontario Taco Time Friday. The restaurant opened last Saturday after recovering from a fire.

Ontario — An Ontario restaurant damaged in an August fire has opened its doors with a new look and new staff members.

The Ontario Taco Time restaurant was closed after an Aug. 23 blaze at the restaurant, situated at 1657 E. Idaho Ave., Ontario, which was first reported by an alert Oregon State Police trooper. Troopers also helped to rescue three employees at about 10 a.m. that morning.

In November, Ontario Taco Time owner Karl Bomberger said the blaze was caused by a neon sign. He said most of the “cosmetic” items had to be replaced, but  some of the stainless steel cooking equipment came through unscathed.

The revamp, he said, cost close to $500,000, but he saw a benefit from the fire since the Taco Time opened with a whole new look.

In an interview Friday, Bomberger said the restaurant’s look now reflects the fresh food served within it, with fresh vegetable stencils on the walls and a new menu board.

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“We cook our own meat and our own beans, and we cut and make our own tortilla chips,” he said. “Our new look reflects those things.”

Bomberger said the original January opening date was pushed to Feb. 28 because of the fire investigation and insurance issues.

“We had to make sure everything was dotted and crossed,” he said.

The restaurant opening last Saturday has meant a lot of traveling from his other Taco Time restaurant in La Grande to the Ontario one, he said.

“We’re still trying to get all the bugs out,” he said.

One of those bugs, he said, is teaching the new staff how to use the new ordering system. However, he said the restaurant may have a grand opening once everyone is situated.

Friday, right before the noon rush, Bomberger worked alongside staff members filling and folding burritos and toasting tortillas. Though some may think it seems like a strange role for an owner to play, Bomberger said he often works with staff at the La Grande Taco Time as well as makes pizzas at Bear Mountain Pizza Company in La Grande. However, most of his history is at Taco Time.

“I worked my way up from ground level employee,” he said.

He said he first starting working at Taco Time in 1979 during the winter months as he put himself through college at Eastern Oregon University, studying criminal justice.

“I’ve always liked the restaurant business,” he said.

He said he first came to the Ontario restaurant business in 1997 and bought the partner of the Ontario Taco Time out in 2000. He spoke highly of Ontario Taco Time Manager Tanna Kruck, who stood beside him sprinkling cheese and lettuce onto the creations before wrapping them in paper. Bomberger said he has been working with her for many years.

As customers filed in closer to noon, Bomberger would momentarily turn his eyes away from the screen displaying the orders to greet them as they approached the counter, some of whom he knew by name.

After the noon rush, John and Carol Bell, Payette, sat in a multi-colored booth near a window enjoying their meals. Both said they were glad Taco Time was back in town.

“I was sorry to hear they closed,” Carol Bell said.

She said she enjoys the food offered at the establishment and the cleanliness of the restaurant.

John Bell also said he was glad to see the restaurant open again.

“It’s great,” he said. “It’s been a long time since it’s been open.”

John Bell also said he believed the restaurant brings competition to the area, which is a good thing.

“There’s a lot of places to eat around here,” he said.