Taco Mama opens in Gulf Breeze's Tiger Point

A new Mexican restaurant franchise, Taco Mama, opened Monday in Gulf Breeze’s Tiger Point Pavilion at 1480 Tiger Park Lane Suite C, replacing the former Dickey’s Barbecue Pit.

Taco Mama, founded by Will Haver in 2011, started out as a small 1,500 square foot hole-in-the-wall taqueria in Crestline Village in Alabama across the street from his family’s tavern. As more friends and family members started suggesting locations in cities closer to them, the business gradually grew to what is now 27 different locations.

He had the seed planted for the idea of starting a restaurant in the Pensacola area about four years ago and has been searching for the right fit ever since. Gulf Breeze reminded him a lot of the restaurant’s roots in Crestline Village.

The Gulf Breeze location, owned and operated by franchisee Alan Renfroe, marks the first location in Florida.

“Gulf Breeze feels like home,” Haver said.

Taco Mama to replace Dickey's: What's replacing Dickey's Barbecue Pit in Gulf Breeze? Your mama's going to love it.

Even with the business growing, he wants to create a small-town feel at each. For him, that starts with the people.

Taco Mama had a full crew of Taco Mama T-shirted employees getting a pep talk Wednesday afternoon as they neared the end of two weeks of extensive training and preparation for the big day Monday.

“Until we get the team we want, we don’t open,” Haver said prior to opening. “We have so many vibrant people who take pride in what they’re doing…if you want good food, you’ve got to have great people.”

The menu brings a wide variety of tacos, salads, burrito baskets, nachos, quesadillas, side dishes and specialty beverages to the area. As the name implies, tacos are a highlight.

To create your perfect taco, you can choose from 11 different protein options, 22 fresh free toppings and seven salsa and sauces.

The fillings go beyond the basic options, and include a variety of prime ingredients, such as AAA sushi grade Ahi Tuna, grilled or fried flounder, slow cooked barbacoa and slow roasted pulled pork. The toppings allow you to make the dish your own, including items like grilled jalapenos, roasted corn, ancho chile slaw and roasted poblano tartar.

When it comes to what to order, Haver said the real decision comes down to what kind of protein you’re craving. Whether it’s the slow-roasted, melt-in-your-mouth barbacoa, the chicken that takes 3.5 hours to prepare, or the high-quality steak tenderloin.

The freshness also translates to the drinks, as Taco Mama creates its hand-shaken margaritas with fresh juices and smooth tequila that helps the drinks go down easy, a winning recipe that took Haver time to perfect. Not only has his margarita recipe won awards in Alabama, but it’s a difference he feels is evident to customers when they taste it.

“We really believe the entire experience speaks for itself,” Haver said.

Taco Mama offers over a dozen margaritas that stay on the menu, along with seasonal flavors, such as the blood orange and watermelon.

While the menu stays the same at each of the Taco Mama locations, the décor is catered to match the style of the city the restaurant is in. You’ll notice some special features, such as a large marlin, and vinyl record covers used as the restaurant’s wallpaper.

The experience is intended to be fun and fast-casual, with a menu that has something fit for everybody.

For more real-time updates and information, follow Taco Mama - Gulf Breeze (Gulf Breeze) on Facebook.

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This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Taco Mama open in Gulf Breeze Tiger Point on Monday