After posting a new message on the Buckeye Burritos marquee on South Buckeye, Brandon and Jessica Mascareno became worried that all the people gawking could cause accidents.

“Taco Grande coming soon,” was all that message said.

But those simple words caused a lot of excitement on New Year’s Day and was a hot topic on Facebook.

“Every single person I talked to said that what everyone wants in this town is a Taco Grande,” said Kenneth Allen who, with his wife Janet, own the building.

“They are moving forward,” Allen said.

Jessica said the holiday has slowed the process of making the contract official but the prospect of a Taco Grande franchise in Abilene was looking good on New Year’s Day.

The Mascarenos have been working with the owners of the Taco Grande in Hays for training and plan to lease the building, at least for a while.

“We have most things in place,” Brandon said.

“If we weren’t waiting on the paperwork, I think we could have it open when food arrives,” Jessica said.

But there is signage and menus to get in order.

In the meantime, they said, it could take two to four weeks before Taco Grande becomes official.

The building at 200 Buckeye Avenue was a Taco Grande franchise for several years before becoming a Taco Tico. When Taco Tico closed, the Allens bought the building and opened Buckeye Burritos in February 2011. New owners ran the Mexican food restaurant from May 15 until its closing in December.

“It’s too much for me and Janet to keep going,” Allen said.

The Allens also operate Old Town Consignments in Historic Abilene.