SMU students and surrounding Dallas community attended Torchy’s Tacos grand opening on Aug. 15. (Sidney Hollingsworth/The Daily Campus)

Torchy’s Tacos kicked off the school year with an exciting new addition: the grand opening of their new SMU location and the 12th Torchy’s in Texas.

The original Torchy’s started in a mobile trailer in 2006 by Mike Rypka.

Although it was a small start, Rypka’s flavorful ingredients and hopeful attitude managed to turn the local eatery into an empire.

And now SMU students and Dallas residents alike will be able to enjoy the popular hot spot.

Torchy’s celebrated at the opening party last week by promising some “damn good tacos,” and delicious they are.

The creative menu – which accommodates breakfast, lunch and dinner – includes a fried avocado taco, consisting of hand-battered fresh avocados served with vegetarian refried beans and topped with pico, lettuce and cheese.

But if you’re looking to get a little more “trashy” with your choice, the “Trailer Park” is a must. The fried chicken, green chilies, pico de gallo, cheese and queso galore is a mouthwatering treat.

The excitement didn’t stop short at the tacos.

The tempting dessert list is a fantasy in itself, particularly the deep-fried bundle of chocolate chip cookie dough bliss – “Lil’ Nookies.”

To accompany the tasty grub, this location is the first Torchy’s to serve liquor, including specialty cocktails with infused tequilas as well as a selection of beers.

“We’re excited to have our new location on SMU Boulevard up and running – especially with classes starting,” Mike Rypka, Chef and Owner of Torchy’s Tacos, said.

“This is our first store to have a bar, which we think is a great addition for all the Mustangs. After all, nothing’s better than queso, tacos and margaritas after a long day of studying.”

However, the festivities didn’t just end at the launch party.

The following morning, Torchy’s showed their gratitude by offering complimentary breakfast tacos to the first 100 people to line up before the 7 a.m. opening.

In addition, each customer was entered into a raffle to receive free Torchy’s Tacos for one year. The lucky winner? SMU’s own Matt Robinson, the Assistant Director for Student-Athlete Academic Services.

With an award-winning menu, eager customers, and a whole lot of hot sauce, Torchy’s is adding spice to the SMU Boulevard.

Get your after class Tex Mex fix and see what the commotion is all about.