Sept. 17, 2025

The former Taco John’s building on 41st Street will have another life as a restaurant.

Asian Cuisine Express, which also has a location in South Sioux City, is expanding to Sioux Falls.

“The restaurant will operate as a fast-food/quick-service model, similar to Panda Express, with a drive-thru for fast and convenient service,” owner Cong Lin said. “It will also have seating for around 60 to 70 guests, along with online ordering and takeout options.”

Menu options will include stir-fry dishes, noodles, fried rice, sushi, dim sum and steamed buns, he said.

“The goal is to combine the speed of a fast-food restaurant with the variety and authentic taste of Asian cuisine,” Lin said.

While Lin’s company bought the building at 1420 W. 41st St. earlier this summer, he has been waiting for a building permit to begin remodeling.

Once the city issues the permit, “the renovation is expected to take about three to five months, so the exact opening date will depend on the construction schedule,” he said.

Lin said he was drawn to Sioux Falls because it’s “a growing and vibrant city with a diverse community and strong economy. We believe it’s the perfect place to introduce our concept because people here are open to new dining experiences, and the location we found on 41st Street has excellent visibility and convenience.”

Taco John’s closed the site of its first restaurant in Sioux Falls in July when it opened a new location in Tea.

Several buyers were interested in the property, said Gregg Brown of NAI Sioux Falls, who represented Lin. It will be an ideal location for the concept, he said.

Lin is eager to begin transforming the longtime “West-Mex” restaurant into one serving Asian food.

“We are excited to become part of the Sioux Falls community and look forward to serving delicious food at an affordable price,” he said. “Our goal is to provide great service and a menu that has something for everyone.”