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Tiki Loco, a new vegan counter-service restaurant is coming to the spot formerly occupied by Zini’s Pizza in Deep Ellum, courtesy of Oliver Peck, a local tattoo artist who’s best known for his role on the popular TV show Ink Masters.
Peck got the idea to open a vegan eatery at 2639 Elm Street because he eats mostly vegan fare and his significant other is 100 percent vegan, according to Shawn Hodges, the restaurant’s project manager. Zini’s former outpost will get a complete overhaul before Tiki Loco moves in, Hodges tells Eater, which includes combining it with the long-defunct neighboring bar and bridal shop into one 2,500 square-foot space. The construction will be completed in the next three weeks to allow for an opening the first week of September.
Peck’s girlfriend, who formerly managed Serious Pizza in Deep Ellum, is developing the menu of vegan street tacos, flatbreads, smoothies, fresh pressed juices, and Hawaiian shaved ice for the new venture. In addition to Tiki Loco’s own menu, the healthy eats outpost will also be the first franchisee for White Rock Coffee, serving most of the menu items found at the coffee shop’s East Dallas location.
“We saw a hole in Deep Ellum for really good coffee and healthy food that you can get without sitting down and ordering or having to modify items on a typical menu,” Hodges tells Eater. “Oliver lives a really healthy lifestyle and wanted to fill the gap down here.”
Look for Tiki Loco to debut in Deep Ellum the first week of September, with plans to be open during both early morning and late night hours. Stay tuned for an update on its arrival.
