Greenville, South Carolina (March 16th, 2026 ) – Nearly a decade after first opening its doors in Greenville in 2016, Tipsy Taco is entering a defining new chapter; one that blends its original identity with a renewed vision for the future.

The restaurant group is officially welcoming back founder Roger Carlton as Chief Executive Officer alongside Frank Roman, who steps in as Operations Owner/Partner. Together, the pair represent both sides of what made the concept successful from the start: Roger’s original creative vision and brand heartbeat, paired with Frank’s culinary and operational leadership.

This leadership reunion marks more than a staffing change, it signals a reset.

For longtime guests, Tipsy Taco was never just about tacos. It was the scratch-made kitchen, the drink specials that filled the bar on a Tuesday night, the atmosphere that felt equal parts neighborhood hangout and celebration spot. Bringing back the original founder restores the philosophy the brand was built on: energetic hospitality, handcrafted food, and a social environment that encourages people to stay awhile.

Under the renewed leadership, the restaurant group is re-embracing the elements that built its following:

• return to scratch-kitchen recipes
• revitalized margarita and drink programs
• consistent guest experience across locations
• a clear cultural identity for staff and customers alike
  

As Tipsy Taco approaches its 10-year milestone, the company is redefining its mission; not simply to grow, but to become the Upstate’s benchmark Tex-Mex experience. The goal is to deliver the restaurant guests remember, elevated with the systems and operational consistency needed for the future.

Expanding Beyond the Upstate

While the brand is reconnecting with its roots, it is also moving farther than ever before.

The group’s expansion into North Carolina marks the first step in taking the concept regional. The Hendersonville location introduced Tipsy Taco to a new audience, and on February 18th, the Brevard location officially opened its doors; bringing the Greenville-born concept into a neighboring community that had never experienced the brand’s atmosphere before.

This combination of returning leadership and geographic growth represents a rare moment in a restaurant’s life cycle: a brand simultaneously going back to what worked while moving forward into new markets.

The Reset

Tipsy Taco’s next chapter isn’t about reinventing the concept, it’s about restoring its identity and scaling it correctly. By reuniting the original founder with strong operational and culinary leadership, the restaurant group is positioning itself for its second decade: a refined version of the place guests fell in love with; now built to last across multiple cities and states.

The same spirit.
The same energy.
Just done right again.

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About Tipsy Taco
Founded in Greenville, South Carolina, Tipsy Taco is an Upstate grown Tex-Mex restaurant concept known for bold flavors, handcrafted cocktails, and an energetic, community-driven atmosphere. The first Tipsy Taco opened in June 2016 and quickly established itself as a local favorite and neighborhood hangout in the Upstate.

Since its founding, Tipsy Taco has grown into a multi-location brand with restaurants across South Carolina and Western North Carolina, including Pelham Road, Woodruff Road, Simpsonville, Duncan, Clemson, Travelers Rest, Hendersonville, and the newest location; Brevard, North Carolina. Each location reflects the brand’s core identity; fresh, made-from-scratch Tex-Mex fare, creative drinks, and a welcoming environment designed to bring people together.

Built on a balance of quality food, approachable hospitality, and a fun-first dining experience, Tipsy Taco has evolved from a single local restaurant into a scalable regional concept. The ownership group is actively working toward the continuation of franchising the Tipsy Taco brand, positioning it for continued growth while staying true to its Greenville roots and community-focused culture.

For more information, visit www.tipsytaco.net