Popular Belleville restaurant announces permanent move to Collinsville
After reporting in a recent column that Belleville-based Tony’s Tacos would take over the kitchen at Old Herald Brewery & Distillery for Cinco de Mayo, I have a delicious update for the Collinsville community.
Tony’s Tacos announced this week that Old Herald is its new permanent location, starting with a soft launch taking place through Mother’s Day. After Mother’s Day, Tony’s Tacos will close for a week to install new signage, redecorate the restaurant and train employees, said owner Tony Oseguera.
On Tuesday, May 20, Tony’s Tacos at Old Herald will open with full control of the kitchen at 115 E. Clay St.
“It happened so quick,” Oseguera said. “We didn’t even have plans to move.”
The takeover at Old Herald was a “sneak preview” of what was to come from this latest collaboration through Soulcial Kitchen’s Currency of Caring program, which includes Old Herald and Tony’s Tacos among its participating businesses.
Old Herald Brewery & Distillery owner Derik Reiser said he and Oseguera were introduced by Soulcial Kitchen founder John Michel.
Oseguera was already looking for another location for Tony’s Tacos in the Collinsville area, said Reiser. After looking at a few options, “we got together and saw a lot of potential.”
While Reiser knew that it was important to have food available at Old Herald, he’s a distiller and “not really a restaurateur.” Running both sides of the business was too much for one person to do, he said, welcoming the opportunity to partner with Oseguera and knowing that he would bring something special to the area.
The move is “very exciting for us,” said Reiser, who added that Cinco de Mayo weekend went really well.
Reiser will be able to focus his full attention to his brewing and distilling operation while distributing beer and spirits to the new restaurant.
“We’re proud of our agave spirits,” said Reiser, adding he’s excited to feature Old Herald’s spirits at the restaurant.
Once Oseguera’s new liquor license comes through, Tony’s Tacos at Old Herald will also be able to offer more domestic and imported beverage options and provide premium tequilas. Tony’s Tacos at Old Herald will also offer flights of tequilas and margaritas, according to Reiser.
With the opening of the kitchen in Collinsville comes the closing of the Belleville location on Route 15. Oseguera said he will miss his Belleville regulars, adding that he saw a lot of familiar faces in Collinsville during Cinco de Mayo and hopes to see them again soon.
Many of his original regulars from Collinsville and Fairmont City, where the food truck started, are happy to have them back in the area, said Oseguera.
About Tony’s Tacos at Old Herald
Tony’s Tacos at Old Herald is now located at 115 W. Clay St. in Collinsville.
The soft launch weekend includes a limited menu consisting of tacos, mulitas, grindas, quesabirria tacos, Papas Perronas (street fries), tortas and burritos with more items added during the week.
The full menu, which will be available after the grand opening, is similar to the Belleville menu, said Oseguera, and will include full entrées.
Hours for the soft launch are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Carryout orders can be placed by phone at 618-855-8027.
For more information, check out Tony’s Tacos or Old Herald Brewery & Distillery on Facebook.
