Fuzzy's Taco Shop is opening its first Colorado location at 1335 W. Elizabeth St. in Westpark, west of the CSU campus in June.
Marc Rogers, Colorado franchise owner, said he looked at Colorado Springs, Boulder and Fort Collins to launch the inaugural Fuzzy's.
He eventually settled on Fort Collins because of the city's demographics and its character with places such as Old Town.
"We came to Fort Collins because we like the town, and we thought CSU would be a good draw," Rogers said. "My wife and I just fell in love with the town."
Fuzzy's will offer $1.99 tacos and $3 beers for its target demographic of college students 18 to 25 years old.
The menu will include Tex-Mex-style food such as fajitas, enchiladas, burritos and a full breakfast menu along with beers and mixed drinks. The restaurant also will feature live music and sports games on 50-inch televisions.
Rogers said patrons can expect "Cheap beer and cheap tacos and a bright colored atmosphere."
As for the origin of the name "Fuzzy," Rogers said it is a mystery. He doesn't know where the name comes from.
Rogers said he will start construction on the 3,654 square-foot new retail space, which includes a $350,000 tenant finish, on April 1 and have the store ready for business by June 1.
Rogers plans to hire two managers and 25 full- and part-time staff starting in mid-April.
The restaurant started in 2003 in Fort Worth, Texas, and expanded to 30 stores in three states.
Rogers said he plans to open at least five Colorado Fuzzy's Taco Shops in the next three years. He is eyeing Colorado Springs, Boulder, Greeley and Westminster as possible locations. Rogers also noted that he may open a second Fort Collins location at some point.
Aki Palmer with Realtec Commercial Real Estate Services served as the broker on the deal for both the landlord, Westpark Mgt. LLC, and Fuzzy's Taco Shop.