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Aaron Nelson takes over ownership of family’s Taco John’s restaurant

  • Charles City Taco John's former owners Carl Johnson (middle) and Linda Johnson (right) talk to a Taco John's corporate representative on Friday during the restaurant's grand re-opening. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

  • Carl Johnson (left), Aaron Nelson and Linda Johnson celebrate Nelson taking over ownership of the Charles City Taco John's on Friday. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

  • New Charles City Taco John's owner Aaron Nelson (right) talks to an employee on Friday during the stores's grand re-opening. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

  • Balloons adorn the Charles City Taco John's on Friday celebrating new owner Aaron Nelson taking over. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

Carl and Linda Johnson opened the Taco John’s restaurant in Charles City 19 years ago, in the year 2000.

That’s when Aaron Nelson became a part of the original crew that first served Charles City residents the company’s “West-Mex” fast food.

Tacos, burritos, nachos and Potato Oles are just some of the food items patrons can select from the Mexican-inspired menu that got its start in Cheyenne, Wyoming, 50 years ago.

Little did Nelson know back then that one day he would be taking over ownership of the business that his parents started.

“I never envisioned that,” said Nelson. “As I watched Carl and his motivation for opening this place, it was very much to remain part of that community. He had served the community in a very, very different way — in a teaching role.”

Friday was the grand re-opening of the store under Nelson’s direction. Taco John’s corporate representation was present, as were many balloons to signify the exciting day.

“Going back to when we opened it, as a retired person, we wanted to provide good food and we wanted to hire local people,” said Carl.

Linda is Nelson’s mom and has been married to Carl for 25 years. They have five children, Aaron being the oldest of Linda’s three kids. Carl was a history teacher for the Charles City Community School district for 37 years.

Now the Johnsons both have plenty of time to enjoy their retirement after passing the Taco John’s ownership torch over to their son.

“Now it’s time for them to kind of enjoy that life and travel and spend more time with grandkids,” said Nelson, a 1999 Charles City High School graduate.

Nelson, who lives in Cedar Rapids and owns Crash’n Bash Hobbies, will be actively working and helping run the Taco John’s store in Charles City five days a week.

“Even if he hasn’t lived here since college, he’s still a Charles City boy,” said Linda. “He’s always been a hard worker. There’s no doubt about that.”

Nelson aims to have his Taco John’s restaurant very much involved in the community, just like his parents were able to accomplish during their successful tenure as owners.

“What was surprising to me as I went out and worked in other things in the business world, how much that rang true for me being part of the community,” Nelson said. “Not just opening the doors of a business to sell a product, but being an active part of that community.”

Nelson said he is going to spend a lot of time training the Taco John’s staff to meet his high goals for the restaurant. He took over ownership on March 1.

“I’m a hands-on, high-expectation kind of manager,” Nelson said.

He graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in business management, and also operates a business online through eBay and Amazon. Nelson said having that business acumen will help him run the restaurant in Charles City.

“I chose to explore other career opportunities. Ultimately I’m glad that I did because it gave me the background and the ability to take over an endeavor like this without issues with confidence. I’m excited,” said Nelson.

Nelson is hoping for another impressive run with his restaurant, just like his parents.

“Hopefully my next 19 years are as successful as this previous management,” he smiled.

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