Ali Fadhel owns Tacos Locos on Hwy. 51 N in Brookhaven.

Despite the name, Locos Tacos doesn’t serve crazy tacos.

But they do serve tacos that are crazy good.

Owner Ali Fadhel brought his food truck, Locos Tacos, from McComb to Brookhaven three weeks ago. The menu focuses on traditional American and Mexican food for on-the-go diners. Fadhel offers five types of tacos – beef, chicken, pork, fish and shrimp. Burritos and quesadillas round out the Mexican offerings.

Diners can also choose sandwiches, burgers and chicken. Fadhel’s menu includes cheeseburgers, Philly cheese steak and chicken Philly sandwiches, and chicken wings and tenders.

The food truck is set up on Hwy. 51 N, just south of Newman’s Package Store. Food is ordered and cooked in the truck, but paid for in the building a few steps away. That’s where Fadhel can be found, manning the cash register. A stroke a year ago weakened the 54-year-old’s right arm and leg, so his cook prepares the food and he takes care of the payments.

He’s also created a smaller version of the convenience stores he worked in previously so that customers can not only pay for their food, but shop for beverages, candy, clothes and household essentials.

He hopes to expand the business to create a full-fledged restaurant in the space behind his “store” with a kitchen and tables. That will happen slowly, he said.

For now, customers can take their food with them, or stay and eat in a pavilion set up beside the truck.

March has been a good opening month for him.

“A lot of people come and like the food,” he said.

Workers from nearby businesses have been complimentary of his dishes.

“All the neighbors, they like it,” he said. “They taste it. They come back later and bring families and bring friends.”

Some customers have traveled from Hazlehurst and Wesson to get their favorite dishes, he said.

Locos Tacos is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. He wants to keep that schedule, but he may need to close on Sundays in the future to rest. Customers can order ahead for pickup by calling 662-420-6788.

Fadhel said he works to support his family back home in Egypt. He spent 15 years in California and has also lived in Memphis and McComb. He hasn’t seen his wife and seven children in over five years.

He wants to stay in Brookhaven and grow his business.

“I like the people here,” he said.

by Donna Campbell