Poppo's opens fourth location in University Park

UNIVERSITY PARK -- Lakewood Ranch residents can look forward to burritos, tacos and quesadillas made from local, organic ingredients.

This week, Poppo's Taqueria will open its fourth local location at the Shoppes at University Town Center. Final health inspections at the restaurant are scheduled for Monday, said co-owner Michael Coleman. Barring any issues, Poppo's at the Shoppes at University Town Center will open on Tuesday.

Poppo's owners signed a five-year lease last year for the 1,791-square-foot space, according to Manatee County records.

The menu at the Shoppes location at 8471 Cooper Creek Blvd. won't be much different from other Poppo's, Coleman said. Customers will find a blend of San Francisco and Mexican flavors, craft sodas and beers, 90 percent organic produce and hormone-free meats. All items on the menu, except beer, are available for takeout or dine-in. Poppo's also offers catering services.

Poppo's is unique from other area Mexican food joints because of its dedication to food quality and using local ingredients, like USDA wild hog. The hogs come from Three

Suns Ranch in Punta Gorda in Charlotte County and are used in Poppo's carnitas.

The interior décor, tables and chairs also will be similar to other Poppo's locations, but not exactly the same.

"We are thematically consistent but individually unique," Coleman said. "You'll know you're at a Poppo's, but it'll be a little different."

The Shoppes location employs about 30 people, Coleman said, with a staff of 10 working at one time. Poppo's is always hiring, Coleman said, and interested applicants can apply online at poppostaquera.com/careers.

Poppo's Taqueria has done well since opening its first restaurant in January 2013, opening the Manatee Avenue location about a year and a half later and adding another restaurant on 53rd Avenue East in May of this year. Coleman credits talk around the community and his customers for their success.

"We're grateful people respond well," Coleman said. "We don't advertise or anything; it's word of mouth."

Poppo's began as a 1,300-square-foot restaurant at 212 C Pine Ave. on Anna Maria Island out of a desire to bring San Francisco-style taquerias to Manatee County. Demand has driven Poppo's two expansions.

"So far, people living in these areas have said, 'bring Poppo's here,' " Coleman said.

He said though they're not "aggressively" looking for other expansion opportunities at the moment, if customers come calling, they'll look at opening another location.

Janelle O'Dea, Herald business reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7095. Follow her on Twitter@jayohday.

This story was originally published September 14, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Poppo's opens fourth location in University Park ."