Food truck Frankie's Tortas and Tacos is moving to bigger digs in Fitzroy

Collingwood locals will be familiar with the taco trailer, Frankie's Tortas and Tacos, that has brought a little slice of Los Angeles to Smith Street for the last three years. The bad news is it's closing.

The good news is the team are moving up in the world, opening their first bricks-and-mortar venue this spring in Fitzroy.

"I always say camping is fun for the weekend," says co-owner Stuart Morton of the stand, where he's been churning out Mexican street-food with just two domestic fridges for storage.

At the new Frankie's, he'll have a lot more space, including two separate service and prep kitchens, which means a few extra dishes will appear on the menu of tortas (Mexican-style sandwiches) and tacos.

The forthcoming Johnston Street bar and restaurant, designed by business partner Todd Vanneste (also of Weekdays Design), channels a Mexican cantina with a red and white palette and flourishes like laminex, neon and signwriting on mirrors.

While retaining some nods to the food truck, Frankie's fans will no longer be eating on plastic stools; there are leather banquettes and high-top tables for 36 people, outdoor eating for warm summer nights, and plans for a party atmosphere that will make you want to stick around.

The team are developing several bespoke products, including desserts in collaboration with ice-cream shop Billy Van Creamy, custom wines from Victorian newcomer Dazma, and beer that mimics a crisp Mexican lager, made by Castlemaine's Love Shack.

It's set to open in November. If staff shortages ease, the team hope to revive the Smith Street trailer.

30 Johnston Street, Fitzroy, tortasandtacos.com.au