Taco shop expands on Federal

Boss Tacos in Boynton Beach doesn’t look like much from the outside. Really, it doesn’t look like much on the inside either.

The shop is about 600 square feet, doesn’t have air conditioning, and parking is confusing.

But owner Brian Nickerson makes excellent tacos — and he’s successful enough that he’s opening a bigger and nicer location on Federal Highway.

“I had a lot of faith in myself, knowing I could do it,” Nickerson said Tuesday while cooking tacos for a customer.

Nickerson, 42, started selling his homemade tacos a couple years ago in a hot dog cart he bought for $500. He drove around the county and parked the cart at events and amphitheaters. Before that, he spent a lifetime in the food business starting back Alexandra Seltzer in Maine. But tacos are his favorite.

“It’s the best hand-held cuisine you can find,” he said.

About two years ago, he opened at 206 S. Federal Highway in a spot formerly called The Pantry convenience store. As a single father, he needed to be able to work on his own schedule. He started with zero employees, and now has five.

To make up for the no air conditioning, he has five industrial fans, which makes the inside comfortable enough that if you sit at the counter on one of the six stools, you might feel like you’re eating at your own home with the television on in front of you. The employees across the counter treat you like old friends.

Nickerson admits he sometimes does get bad reviews, but he understands why: He doesn’t make what you would think is an authentic Mexican taco. It has a New England twist to it.

“My take is bigger portions and comfort food. And all fresh,” he said.

The new place will be in Ocean Palm Plaza, 1550 N. Federal Highway. He hopes to open at the end of July. He’ll keep the same menu — tacos, quesadillas, burritos — but with some additions. The new place, which is about 2,700 square feet, will serve beer and wine. Customers will order at the counter and then will be called to pick up their food when it’s ready.

And, there will air conditioning and plenty of parking.

“Picture Chipotle with TVs and alcohol,” he said.

He credits the public for his success.

“The local support is phenomenal here,” Nickerson said. “I haven’t seen this type of camaraderie.”