The lease for the building once occupied by the Downtown Japanese Steak House has been signed by Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, a Texas-based fast-casual taco joint and bar.

Downtown Japanese Steak House closed in June of 2016 after 45 years in business. The business’ longtime home will transform pretty drastically soon, as the bright colors, subway tile and corrugated metal of Fuzzy’s trademark style cover its interior. What Marketing Vice President Linda Veatch describes as an “edgy, sarcastic, kind of irreverent brand” will inject a “casual, fun, energetic atmosphere” into Downtown.

Each of the 120 Fuzzy’s stores offers an affordable menu of breakfast tacos, baja tacos, Mexican entrees, salads, nachos, sandwiches and quesadillas, as well as catering. They serve breakfast all day and offer a full bar.

Sitting at 479 N. High St., the second Ohio and first Columbus Fuzzy’s Taco Shop — rumored to be named after its original owner’s nickname — has the opportunity to be a magnet to the neighboring businesses and residents in the Short North, the Arena District, and at the Convention Center. Veach said the bar-restaurant would be open for 12 hours every day, starting with breakfast no later than 8 a.m.

“He just felt like this was an A-plus location,” said Veach, referring to Greg Bushnell, Vice President of Real Estate and Construction. “Just, you know, a game changer right in the middle of everything, especially our break through into a new market.”

Columbus isn’t the only market they’re breaking into right now. Before their Columbus store opens in October, Fuzzy’s will open in Toledo under a franchisee. Their other corporate-owned locations are in Fort Worth and Denton, TX, Cincinnati and Dayton, and those are expanding quickly.

For more information, visit fuzzystacoshop.com.