Taco Del Mar Debuts in New England

GROTON, CT-The Seattle-based Taco Del Mar restaurant chain plans its first eastern location here and foresees 100 restaurants throughout the region, the chain said Thursday. The first of the Seattle company’s restaurants here is due to be opened by New England-area Subway entrepreneur Brenda Bohinc on Long Hill Road in the spring of 2008.

Bohinc heads a master developer team that is scouting locations and franchisee prospects for Taco Del Mar, whose Groton location will be the first restaurant east of the Appalachians for the 270-unit chain. Taco Del Mar describes its menu as “wholesome Mexican food in a quick-casual format.”

According to Tom Bohinc, who provides business and market consulting support to franchisees, the Bohincs’ territory consists of the Hartford and New Haven, Providence and New Bedford markets. The 100 Taco Del Mar locations that are planned for the region will do business as TDM of South Shore New England.

The privately held Taco Del Mar chain began in Seattle in 1992, founded by brothers James and John Schmidt. The founders were influenced by Southern Baja, Mexico and coastal beach shacks that serve burritos and tacos. Its menu features signature Mondo burritos showcasing slow-cooked and marinated meats such as braised chicken, carne asada steak and seasoned pork; platters; tacos; salads; kids’ meals and vegetarian/vegan offerings. The store decor reflects a beach mood, with thatched palapas, long-board tabletops and background music.