(SEATTLE)-March 28, 2006—Barry Maring of Northland Restaurant Group, Inc. is directing his entrepreneurial talent toward developing Taco Del Mar restaurants, a hot concept serving Baja-inspired “mondo burritos and rippin tacos” in a fast-casual, surf infused setting. Taco Del Mar annouced today Maring’s exclusive rights to sell franchises and develop restaurants in North Dakota, Minnesota, and parts of western Wisconsin.

With plans to open 150 restaurants in the next 10 years across his territory, Maring is wasting no time signing franchisees and securing premium locations.

The first core areas of development will be Fargo and Minneapolis-St. Paul. Nearly one third of his restaurants, for most of which he will sell franchises, will be in and around Minneapolis-St. Paul. Fargo, where Maring grew up and has been involved in many business developments, is another initial focus area with two letters of intent currently under review. One franchise for Lake City, Minn., has already been purchased.

Maring is a former Subway developer and franchisee of 10 years and is currently involved in hotel and land development with his father Russell Maring, and in his own company, Brookstone Development, Inc. of Fargo, N.D. He is optimistic in his newest venture.

“Taco Del Mar has a great image and menu that we feel confident our region is going to readily embrace,” Maring said. “The Mexi-fresh segment is really growing, and for new franchisees, it’s got a relatively low barrier for entry ($115,000-$240,000), good return on investment, protected territory, and franchises are set up with very streamlined technology and systems—making them easy to operate.”

Maring plans to have eight Taco Del Mar restaurants open by year’s end. He will hold an informational franchise roadshow Wednesday, April 5, at 6:30 p.m. at Holiday Inn Select & Suites, Three Appletree Square (near I-494 & 34th Ave) in Bloomington, Minn. Reservations are recommended by contacting Maring at (701) 212-8530.

Taco Del Mar serves mondo, 24-ounce beef, pork and chicken burritos with a choice of (four) tortillas, plus a selection of fish tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, kids meals, salads, vegetarian and vegan selections. Store decor festively sets the "Inner Baja" mood with vibrant surf murals, mounted sailfish, thatched umbrellas, and long board tabletops.

A West Coast innovator of “mondo burritos and rippin tacos” since 1992, Taco Del Mar has brought its fast, fresh and filling food to more than 190 locations throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Learn more at TacoDelMar.com. For specific regional developments, contact Maring of Northland Restaurant Group, Inc. at (701) 212-8530 or email bmaring@tacodelmar.com