BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — If you have driven along Perkins Road lately, you may have seen some construction work being done at Zippy’s Burritos Tacos & More. The renovations are the “largest to date,” according to owner Neal Hendrick.
“We will be renovating the entire current structure and adding space as well,” Hendrick said.
Hendrick says this is the third time that additions and renovations have been done since they opened on Sept. 27, 2011.
A new patio space will go where tents were added during the pandemic. As part of that process, the existing patio was torn down. Bifold windows will replace the patio exterior curtains.
“We will be adding a new bar in our interior area with a walk-up bar and a seated bar,” said Hendrick.
“We were the first patio restaurant in Baton Rouge 23 years ago, and we watched others copy what we did and improve on it,” Hendrick said. “I decided five years ago that we need to see what we needed to change so that we could make another 20 years here.” “
He said he looked around the country for ideas that were working in larger markets with patio space that could work in Baton Rouge.
“We wanted to add things that would increase our guest experience without changing the comfort level and fun that our customers had grown to love. But honestly, our facility was well ‘loved’ and needed some work to move into the future,” Hendrick said.
The new patio will be able to be heated or cooled, and the walk-up bar will have 15 bar seats.
Other additions include three-stall men’s and womens’ restrooms and another kitchen space that will also have a pickup truck window.”
According to Hendrick, the work should be done in January 2024. The restaurant gave a sneak peek at what it will look like after renovations.
In the meantime, Zippy’s remains open for business. Hendrick says they “have indoor seating and seating under our heated tents.” Along with being able to eat in, customers can still order takeout or catering.
