Big Eddy's adds tacos, tequila

Mark and Katrina Campbell, owners of Big Eddy's in Thompson Falls, have taken on a new venture by opening a taco trailer and tequila bar in the yard behind the bar and grill. "We were always planning to do more in the backyard and when COVID hit, we converted the deck into a dining area, but we didn't want to miss out on this area," Katrina said. "It has its own vibe back here."

With outdoor seating and serene views of the river, the soft opening the owners hosted over Memorial Day weekend was a success. "It went great," Katrina said. "We had fantastic weather and great food. Lots of people came down."

The taco truck has an expansive list of options, and the owners will broaden those as business increases. "We make our own pico de gallo and avocado crema daily," Mark said. "We're focusing on well flavored, quality meat and it's all made fresh to order."

The owners have built upon their idea of what a street taco should be with options such as marinated chicken and slow-cooked shredded beef, and expanded by adding some little twists of their own. Chef Qiana Ferrin has created a cilantro lime sauce that now has a permanent home on the menu. "We are just trying to keep things simple until everything is ironed out, but I may start incorporating my green chili down here, and maybe other options in the future," Mark said. "We wanted something that would be fast and well received by a large community. It's something that isn't around here."

To enhance the experience of their street tacos, the owners added a tequila bar into the mix, because as Katrina says, tacos and tequila just go together. "We offer Santo tequila margaritas here," Katrina said. A brand founded by Sammy Hagar and Guy Fieri, "It's a really good, premium tequila," Mark added. "Guy Fieri has been super good and supportive of restaurants during COVID."

Like many businesses, Big Eddy's felt the hardship COVID-19 brought. However, the owners were able to find inspiration awaiting them as they made it through the pandemic. "We really got serious about this eight months ago," Katrina said. "We weren't permitted to have people inside, we had to socially distance and we knew this would help relieve some of the traffic upstairs." With the new outdoor addition of a taco trailer which comes with a full kitchen, the owners say they have a lot more flexibility. "Now, we have tacos and tequila in our backyard," Katrina said. "It's our hope that this will help us get past COVID."

While COVID-19 restrictions have been fully lifted, the owners and staff at Big Eddy's have remained diligent in their work to keep everything sanitized and properly cleaned. "We're proud of our current staff," Katrina stated. "Everyone has been working hard to keep a consistent schedule to keep the restaurant running."

The tequila bar will play host to a rotation of different cocktails throughout summer. A blueberry mezcal lemonade and a Santo tequila themed fruit punch are just a few choices on the menu. Guests will get to meet David Sprately, as he serves not only carefully handcrafted margaritas, but a plethora of knowledge on the bar's brand of tequila and maybe even a few stories as he quickly whips up your margaritas. Big Eddy's has partnered with Kettlehouse Brewing Company in order to offer their customers some different locally brewed beers as well.

"We believe in a community atmosphere, we're family friendly and we're even dog friendly, as long as they are on a leash and well behaved," Katrina said. "We just want to have some fun down here this summer."

The taco trailer and tequila bar will be open in Big Eddy's backyard Friday through Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.