Fuzzy’s Taco Shop in 50-store deal

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop plans to expand throughout the Southeast.

The Texas-based restaurant group has signed a 50-store agreement to expand into the South with new markets in Alabama, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The agreement, with Richard Maddox, a QSR multi-brand franchisee, also calls for expansion in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, existing markets for the brand.

Additionally, all 50 locations included in the agreement will feature a drive-thru, a first for the company. Fuzzy’s currently operates nearly 150 franchise- and corporate-owned locations in 17 states.

Maddox’s first two Fuzzy’s Taco Shop locations are scheduled to open in the first half of 2022, in Auburn, Ala., and Albany, Ga. Up to four more units are expected to open by the end of the year.

“As we look to add new Fuzzy’s Taco Shop franchisees we are focused on qualified, experienced restaurant operators who can maintain the integrity of the brand,” said Paul Damico, CEO of Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. “Richard’s experience with fast-casual restaurants and franchised brands makes him exactly the type of franchisee we are looking for.”

In October 2021 Damico announced plans to double the size of the Fuzzy’s Taco Shop brand in the next five years.

In 2003 near the Texas Christian University campus in Fort Worth, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is a fast-casual restaurant serving Mexican favorites with a splash of Baja. The laid-back atmosphere pairs perfectly with signature Baja-style tacos, famous chips and queso and icy-cold beverages always served at a chill price.