Omnivore - Taqueria del Sol to offer franchises

I had lunch at Taqueria del Sol today and ran into owner Mike Klank. He told me that the restaurant has formed a subsidiary, Taqueria del Sol Development (TDSD), to begin franchising itself. Klank said the most likely location for the first franchise at this time is Charleston, SC.

Anna Sexton of Green Olive media sent me a news release about the plan. Here are a few excerpts:

Bill Burnett has been named president and chief operating officer of TDSD. Burnett is an industry veteran, having worked for 38 years in executive capacities with a number of established and reputable companies including Houston’s, Roy’s Restaurants, and The Capital Grille, as well as having five years experience in franchise operations.....

Klank remarked, “Over the past several years, we have fielded many calls regarding franchising. We plan to be very selective in the awarding of franchises and will insist franchisees have prior operating experience, combined with the necessary financial resources to support a successful program. Taqueria del Sol has a strong market reputation to maintain, and we are only interested in adding franchisees who will enhance that reputation.”

Franchises will be offered for both new, build-to-suit restaurants and conversion of other restaurants to Taqueria del Sols.  Multi-unit development, with only rare exceptions for single-unit development, will be offered in selected markets, namely metropolitan areas, to qualified franchisees. All existing and future locations within the state of Georgia will be company-owned. Taqueria del Sol will not provide nor guarantee any financing but will refer qualified franchisees to financial institutions....

Information regarding Taqueria del Sol Franchising Company can be obtained by calling Burnett at (732) 747–2763 or emailing bill@taqueriadelsol.com.