Tom Murphy Brings Taco Del Mar's Baja Flavor to Maryland, Pittsburgh and Beyond

By: Taco Del Mar | 2 Shares 194 Reads

Regional Master Developer Tom Murphy Announces First Locations in Cumberland and Frostburg, Maryland

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Last fall, restaurateur Tom Murphy seized the opportunity to bring a hot, Baja-inspired restaurant concept to greater Pittsburgh, Western Maryland and parts of West Virginia. He set about "surfing" across the region in search of the perfect locations. Ready to make a splash in the communities of Cumberland and Frostburg, Maryland, customers hungry for wholesome, quick-casual Mexican food are in for a treat. The area's first two restaurants will open October 1 and November 15, respectively.

Murphy, a 12-year restaurant industry veteran and the area Master Developer for Taco Del Mar, has franchised his own Cumberland Taco Del Mar location at 1262 Vocke Road in Country Club Mall (Lavale) slated to open on Monday, Oct. 1. Franchisee Suzanne Todd, who has five years of experience with Subway and is a Subway franchisee, will operate the Frostburg Taco Del Mar restaurant, located at 10501 New George's Creek Road with a target opening date of Nov. 15.

"This market is ready for Taco Del Mar; it's got a great surf setting, excellent made-to-order Baja-inspired food, and dollar for dollar it's a strong value — there's nothing quite like it in the marketplace," Murphy said. "We look forward to bringing more Taco Del Mar restaurants to the Northeast in the months to come, because people are going to love the food."

As Master Developer of the greater Pittsburgh, Johnstown and Altoona markets, among others, Murphy will continue his tenacious expansion plans to develop and franchise 65 Taco Del Mar restaurants over the next ten years.

Taco Del Mar features signature Mondo burritos showcasing slow-cooked and marinated meats such as braised chicken, carne asada steak and seasoned pork; platters; tacos; salads; kids' meals and vegetarian/vegan offerings. All of its food incorporates high quality ingredients in a made-to-order presentation. The store decor sets the "beach" mood with beach-themed murals, thatched palapas, mounted sailfish, long board tabletops and lively background music.

The quick casual restaurant chain was co-founded in Seattle in 1992 by brothers James and John Schmidt. Inspired by southern Baja, Mexico and coastal beach shacks that serve burritos and tacos, Taco Del Mar remains independent, unlike many "Mexi-fresh" restaurant concepts that are publicly traded or big burger owned. The company was ranked 17th in the January 2007 issue of Fast Casual magazine's 2006 Top 100 Movers and Shakers, R&I's Top 400 Chains for 2007, and Crittenden's Restaurant Insider named Taco Del Mar as one of its 2006 "Hot Half Dozen" concepts. Learn more at http://www.tacodelmar.com or by e-mailing Tom Murphy at tmurphy@tacodelmar.com

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