Taco John's starts East Coast expansion
Taco John’s has opened its first metropolitan location – with more on the way.
The Wyoming-based quick-serve Mexican chain has opened a new restaurant in downtown Boston. The expansion is part of a larger franchise agreement with Reliance Hospitality Group, which signed a 22-unit development deal for the greater Boston area and Connecticut in 2021.
In 2023, the group, led by Arsal Jaffery and Deven Jadav, opened the first two Taco John's locations in the Lawrence and Leominster, Mass. communities, introducing the chain to the state.
"We're thrilled to bring Taco John's to the heart of Boston and introduce even more guests to our signature bold flavors and quality ingredients," said Jaffery. "When we first experienced Taco John's, we knew it was special – the brand's dedication to bold, innovative flavors and fresh ingredients stood out in the quick-service space. The enthusiasm and loyalty of Taco John's fans across the country spoke volumes, and we saw a clear opportunity to bring that same energy to Boston. Boston is an incredible, dynamic city with a rich food culture and a strong sense of community.”
After the latest opening in Boston, the duo is making significant strides in their development deal, with a fourth location underway, expected to open in the third quarter of this year. Reliance Hospitality Group is also actively selecting sites for its next five locations in the Boston area.
Taco John’s says its development team has identified strong opportunities in the Upper Midwest, Rocky Mountain regions, and high-growth suburban markets nationwide.
"Deven and Arsal's dedication and expertise have been instrumental in introducing Taco John's to the East Coast," said Shannon Iverson, VP of development at Taco John's. "Their strategic approach and passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences align perfectly with our brand's growth vision. As Taco John's expands our 50-plus-year legacy into more metropolitan spaces, their deep understanding of the restaurant industry and the local markets will continue to be essential."
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Founded in 1969 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Taco John’s operates nearly 350 restaurants across 22 states.
