Taco del Mar
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Fast casual dining |
| Founded | June 8, 1992 in Seattle, Washington, United States |
| Founder | James Schmidt, John Schmidt |
| Headquarters | Denver , United States |
Area served | United States, Canada |
| Products | Coastal Mexican fare, Baja-style fish tacos |
| Owner | High Bluff Capital Partners |
| Website | www |
TDM IP Holder, LLC. , operating under the name Taco Del Mar, is a Mexican fast casual dining chain headquartered in Denver, known for its focus on coastal Mexican fare. The company was established on June 8, 1992, in Seattle by siblings James and John Schmidt. At its height in 2010, the chain operated 260 outlets but has since contracted to 66 locations throughout the United States and Canada. Its interior design evokes a laid-back, beachside atmosphere influenced by the shores of Baja California.
The brand’s title, "Taco del Mar" (meaning "taco of the sea"), highlights its initial specialty in Baja-style fish tacos. Modeled similarly to Subway’s service format, patrons personalize their meals along an assembly line offering a consistent array of "Fresh Mex" ingredients, including different types of tortillas and protein options such as fish, beef, pork, and chicken.
In 2018, ownership of Taco Del Mar transferred to High Bluff Capital Partners.
Executive departures
Toward the end of 2007, Taco Del Mar underwent significant leadership changes when President David Huether and Vice President of Franchising Sales Neal Hollingsworth both resigned within a short period.
2008 Vancouver explosion
A Taco Del Mar franchise located in Vancouver was destroyed on February 13, 2008, due to an explosion caused by arson that also affected surrounding businesses. Kamal Jeet Singh Josan was apprehended as the primary suspect. Although initial charges were dropped because of insufficient proof, Josan later admitted guilt to arson in 2011 and received a sentence of two years under house arrest. The reason behind the attack has not been publicly revealed.
Bankruptcy filing in 2010
On January 22, 2010, Taco Del Mar filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Seattle. Key creditors included Maryland franchisee Suzanne Todd with a contested claim of $500,000; Paul & Shahnaz Hendifar from Texas holding a $125,416 judgment; the Canada Revenue Agency with a tax claim amounting to $105,324; and the city of Seattle with a $95,289 tax liability.
The company was auctioned on September 30, 2010, where Franchise Brands LLC—a Connecticut-based firm founded by Subway co-founders Fred DeLuca and Peter Buck—secured the purchase for $3.25 million. Both Subway and Franchise Brands LLC are headquartered in Milford, Connecticut.
High Bluff Capital Partners, which also owns Quiznos (a competitor to Subway), acquired Taco Del Mar on July 10, 2018.
External links
- Cuisine of the Western United States
- Fast-food chains of the United States
- Fast casual restaurants
- Fast-food Mexican restaurants
- Fast-food franchises
- Restaurants in Seattle
- Restaurants established in 1992
- American companies established in 1992
- 1992 establishments in Washington (state)
- Companies that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2010
- Companies based in Denver
- 2018 mergers and acquisitions