Staff photo by Clay Schuldt New Ulm Taco John’s owners Andy and Nancy Lilleodden are joined by their kids and members of the Willkommen Committee for a ribbon cutting celebrating the reopening of the restaurant following interior remodeling. From left, Katie Nosbush with the Willkommen Committee, McKenzie Lilleodden, Brittney Lilleodden, Andy Lilleodden, Katylin Lilleodden, Nancy Lilleodden, Tucker Lilleodden and Pam Kitzberger.

NEW ULM — The New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce Willkommen Committee celebrated Taco John’s grand reopening with a special ribbon cutting, Monday.

Owners Andy and Nancy Lilleodden recently reopened the lobby to the restaurant after significant remodeling.

Andy said the remodeling began last year after the pandemic shut indoor dining down. They finished the interior upgrades in September and are ready to open the lobby again.

The interior of Taco Johns is more open with a brighter paint scheme. The Lilleoddens said they took out a few walls to open up the space; raised the ceiling slightly and installed bigger windows. The drive-thru was also bumped out and widened.

This year also marks the 40th anniversary of Taco John’s in New Ulm. The restaurant opened on July 13, 1981. The Lilleodden family have operated the restaurant since 2011, making this their 10th anniversary with Taco John’s.