Celebrity Tattoo Artist Brings a New Coffee Shop and Vegan Restaurant to Deep Ellum: Former Pizza Spot Transformed Into an Edgy Healthy Living Mecca

Tiki Loco, a new coffee shop and vegan restaurant hybrid, is set to open its doors in Deep Ellum any day now. A creation from the mind of Ink Master celebrity tattoo artist Oliver Peck, the Mexican/Hawaiian styled spot will serve White Rock coffee, shaved ice, smoothies, fresh-pressed juices and vegan tacos.

“Tiki Loco will fill a void that has existed in Deep Ellum for awhile,” project manager Shawn Hodges says. Oliver has been involved in the Deep Ellum community for many years. He is co-owner of three businesses on Elm Street: Elm Street Tattoo, Heart in Hand Gallery, and now, Tiki Loco.

Oliver saw a need for good coffee and healthy food in the neighborhood that had been lacking. “Oliver loves White Rock Coffee and lives in pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. His girlfriend, Audra, and he live a vegan lifestyle,” Hodges tells PaperCity.

Peck’s girlfriend developed the Tiki Loco menu. Designated as a vegetarian cafe, a large portion of the non-coffee items are 100 percent vegan.

“There will be something for everyone, whether you’re vegan or not,” Hodges says.

Plans call for food items to slowly roll out as Tiki Loco builds a following, but a lot of the coffee drinks and beverages will be ready to go from day one.

The coffee shop/vegan cafe’s aesthetic is a unique concoction from Oliver’s brain. The former Zini’s Pizzeria space at 2639 Elm Street has been transformed into a contemporary, bright and colorful spot filled with serape patterned booths, white tile, whitewashed wood, bamboo and a single pink accent wall. Decor will include a mixture of Mexican and Tiki styled art and visuals. An upstairs balcony will also provide a few seats that overlook the restaurant.

Although the official grand opening is scheduled for October 4, Tiki Loco will actually quietly open before then. So keep an eye out if you’re eager to try some high-quality coffee or shaved ice.

Tiki Loco’s tentative hours will be from 7 am till late night daily.