Taco John's

Taco John's is a Cheyenne, Wyoming-basedfast-food restaurant featuring Mexican-inspired fast food (which it calls "West-Mex"). The chain was founded in 1969 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and now comprises more than 400 restaurants in 25 states.

History

Taco John's began as a small taco stand in Cheyenne, Wyoming, named "Taco House" that opened in 1968. John Turner started the Taco House restaurant in March 14, 1969, after being stationed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne and serving in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He sold the franchise rights to James Woodson and Harold W. Holmes, who in 1969 changed the name to Taco John's.

Born in 1919 in Chariton, Iowa, Holmes's first job was as an auctioneer. He and his wife, the former Nona Zimmerman, later operated a furniture store in Cheyenne and also owned Holmes Camper Exchange, which manufactured campers and travel trailers under the name of "Holmes on Wheels," and Holmes Equipment and Supplies, which produced stainless steel restaurant equipment nationwide until 2013.