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Buffalo Wild Wings-backed R Taco sets growth plan

Buffalo Wild Wings is seeking franchisees and business partners with multi-restaurant experience to expand the brand in Austin, Houston and San Antonio; Oklahoma City and Tulsa., St. Louis and Des Moines.

February 11, 2016

Buffalo Wild Wings today announced plans to grow the R Taco fast-casual restaurant chain. BWW invested in the brand as part of its strategy to partner with emerging restaurant concepts that have potential for significant growth, according to a company press release. R Taco has 11 company-owned and franchised locations serving street-style tacos in Dallas, Denver and Minneapolis/St. Paul, with plans to open in Omaha next month.

 "As we've spent time learning the R Taco business, we see an opportunity to grow the company with partners who share our enthusiasm for the brand and want to bring this fresh and fun restaurant to more people in new markets," said Tom Berzinski, VP and managing director, R Taco.

Buffalo Wild Wings is seeking interested and qualified franchisees and business partners with multi-restaurant experience to expand R Taco to markets including Austin, Houston and San Antonio; Oklahoma City and Tulsa., St. Louis  and Des Moines, Berzinski said. R Taco plans to expand its corporate-owned restaurant locations as well.

Launched in Dallas in 2010 as Rusty Taco, and named for co-founder Rusty Fenton, the company shortened its name last year to provide broader appeal as the concept expands beyond its Dallas roots, said Steve Dunn, R Taco CEO.

"As founder Rusty Fenton always said, 'Tacos are the most important meal of the day,' and we believe providing guests with the freshest ingredients and authentic tasting street-style tacos at an affordable price in a friendly and fun atmosphere is a concept that works well regardless of geography," Dunn said.

A typical R Taco location is 1,800 to 2,500 square feet and is located in an existing free-standing endcap or urban storefronts, with an exclusive patio and adequate parking. Restaurants have a welcoming atmosphere with quirky décor, bold colors, an open ceiling and open kitchen, with natural and industrial lighting, Dunn said.

Buffalo Wild Wings also has a minority investment in Los Angeles-based PizzaRev.