Taco time on the Gulf Coast

The future for Fuzzy's Taco Shop, a Texas based chain of funky Baja-style Mexican restaurants that serves breakfast all days, is clear: The Gulf Coast is key to its expansion strategy.

The Fort Worth, Texas-based company recently announced multi-store development agreements that will bring at least 15 Fuzzy's to the Gulf Coast in six years. The chain currently has nearly 80 locations in 10 states, from Arizona to Georgia, but no Florida stores. The Florida strategy also includes another five locations in the Orlando market. “We believe (the Gulf Coast) is a little underserved,” Richard Phillips, Fuzzy's vice president of franchise development, tells Coffee Talk. “I think our product and approach will fit very well in Florida.”

In addition to breakfast, the chain's place in the market is one part family-friendly, one part fast-casual and one part fiesta, says Fuzzy's Vice President Mel Knight. The average check, according to franchise documents, is about $9.50, and locations have 85-100 seats. The decor emphasizes bold primary colors, and the menu is big, but heavy on familiar items. One of the more popular items is Baja-style fish tacos. “There are a lot of restaurants that do food really well. Some do fun really well,” Knight says. “We work hard to do them all well.”
Franchisees who will bring Fuzzy's to Florida include: