I know that normally I have a lot of answers when it comes to the Lansing food scene. However, I have a question this time around…
What’s happening to the former Mr. Taco on Lansing’s South side?
The Long and Unpredictable History of Mr. Taco
Let’s be clear—it hasn’t been Mr. Taco since February of 2023 when it closed its doors permanently. Prior to that, Mr. Taco had an infamous reputation in town of having great food, but terribly unpredictable hours that were randomly announced on Facebook.
Since it closed in early 2023, the former Mr. Taco building has sat empty. However, that changed a bit when some new signage was spotted in October 2025.
Have Plans for Aladdin’s in South Lansing Changed?
The sign indicated that Aladdin’s planned to open a new restaurant there. But the changes appeared to stop with the signage, as no additional work seemed to be done to the interior, exterior, or parking lot.
That brings us to now, where there is brand new signage up. The sign indicates that a new restaurant called Taco Shawarma is taking over that spot.
What We Know About Taco Shawarma So Far
The buzz is all over the Lansing Foodies Facebook page, with one commenter claiming it’s owned by a member of the Aladdin’s family. However, there’s been no word from Aladdin’s. Additionally, there appears to be no website or social media presence for Taco Shawarma…