Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle) - June 27, 2006

Taco Del Mar said it plans to enter the Tampa and West Central Florida market with as many as 80 locations in five years.

The Seattle-based restaurant chain has signed Mike Taylor and Ben Sabo's 2 Jens Group LLC as regional master developer.

Taylor is a restaurant veteran with a 12-year history of operating three Florida-based Hungry Howies and two Wingz Xpress restaurants, a release said.

The developers said they began considering a Taco Del Mar development in 2003, and were particularly excited about the emerging Mexican fast-casual restaurant segment.

"After meeting the company leaders and visiting established restaurants, Ben and I knew Taco Del Mar would be a hit in Florida," Taylor said, in a release.

Taco Del Mar features 24-ounce chicken, beef and pork burritos with a choice of four tortillas, fish tacos, enchiladas, kids' meals, taco salads, vegetarian and vegan offerings.

Immediate target areas include Sarasota, Brandon and New Port Richey.

Co-founded in 1992 by brothers James and John Schmidt, Taco Del Mar remains independent, with more than 200 locations throughout North America.