(SEATTLE)–Oct. 22, 2005–Taco Del Mar announced it has signed Jim Chevigny as its Master Developer for the state of Alaska. The fast-casual, Baja-inspired restaurant that features mondo burritos and rippin tacos will have doors open this spring. Letters of intent for sites throughout Alaska are currently under review and already several leases are signed. Chevigny expects a total build-out of 40 stores and he is currently franchising.

Chevigny is selling territorial franchises in the Mat-Valley, Kenai, Southeast and elsewhere. Prospective franchisees can expect affordable build-out costs and streamlined operations, similar to Subways/Quiznos, and a very easy-to-operate “kitchen-less kitchen” that uses a flash bake oven and an assembly counter where burritos and tacos are made fresh to order. Taco Del Mar was ranked 228 in the Franchise 500 in Entrepreneur Magazine for 2005.

No stranger to retail development in Alaska, Chevigny was part of a team that proliferated 7-Eleven stores statewide in the 1980s. He recognized the enormous branding potential of Taco Del Mar based on its proven, steady growth and consumer response to the brand in the Lower 48 and Western Canada.

“Taco Del Mar’s food is fresh, filling, vibrant and affordable, and the surf/Baja theme is equally fun,” Chevigny said. “It’s a winning combination that consumers love and will be well-received here as restaurants open – Mexican is very popular in Alaska. After thoroughly researching the market, I determined the Taco del Mar team has created the industry leader of in-line Mexican restaurants.”

The privately-owned, fast-casual Mexican chain offers 24-ounce mondo beef, chicken and pork burritos, fish tacos, kids meals, salads, vegetarian and vegan offerings. Its store decor festively sets the "Inner Baja" mood with surf murals, thatched umbrellas, sailfish, long board tabletops and lively background music.

Taco Del Mar has nearly doubled its locations in less than two years to 172 restaurants—mostly throughout the Western U.S. It is now beginning development on the East Coast. Restaurants are being built in 35 markets to date and there will be 200 locations by the end of the year.

Inspired by laid back beach shacks that dish mondo burritos and rippin’ tacos, find out more about Taco Del Mar’s Alaska development, contact Chevigny at jchevigny@tacodelmar.com, (206) 729-1184 or surf to www.tacodelmar.com.

# # #

Later, Dude!