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

A new Mexican restaurant franchise is coming to Gulf Breeze’s Tiger Point Pavilion replacing the former Dickey’s Barbecue Pit.

Dickey's has more than 500 locations nationwide, including one at 6705 Pine Forest Road in Pensacola, which is unaffected by the Gulf Breeze location's closure.

New restaurant, Taco Mama, will take Dickey’s place at 1480 Tiger Park Lane Suite C.

What is Taco Mama?

The new chain restaurant Taco Mama is opening a new location in Gulf Breeze. Taco Mama's will occupy the former Dickey's Barbecue location in the Tiger Point area.
The new chain restaurant Taco Mama is opening a new location in Gulf Breeze. Taco Mama's will occupy the former Dickey's Barbecue location in the Tiger Point area.

Taco Mama is a growing Mexican restaurant franchise with over two dozen locations that has been largely servicing the Southeast since it was first launched in Alabama in 2011. The menu brings a wide variety of tacos, salads, burrito baskets, nachos, quesadillas, side dishes and specialty beverages to the area. They are known for their “great food, great margaritas, like-minded people, funky atmosphere and supporting our friends and communities,” per the restaurant’s website.

Prior to the addition of the Gulf Breeze location, the closest Taco Mama locations to the Pensacola area were in Daphne, Alabama and Midtown Historic District in Mobile, Alabama. Gulf Breeze will mark the franchise’s first Florida location.

What’s on the Taco Mama menu?

At Taco Mama, tacos appear to be the focal point, with preset flavor combinations along with a build your-own option. To create your perfect taco, you can choose from 11 different protein options, 22 fresh free toppings and seven salsa and sauces, per the restaurant’s website.

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.

As far as Taco Mama's pre-set combinations, five of the popular options include:

  • The Mayor taco basket: Marinated chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, creamy-cilantro pesto and queso fresco.

  • Justice is Served taco basket: Flounder (grilled or fried) or grilled shrimp with ancho chile slaw, avocado, tomatoes and roasted poblano tartar.

  • The Big Client burrito: Barbacoa (braised beef), refried beans, queso, shredded cheddar, tomatoes and mild salsa ranchera.

  • Alabama Redneck taco basket: Roasted pulled pork, ancho chile slaw, pickles, Mama’s Chipotle BBQ sauce.

  • The Fat Boy burrito basket: Grilled steak tenderloin, cilantro-lime rice, grilled onions, refried beans, cilantro and red-chile butter sauce.

Does Taco Mama serve alcohol?

Yes, margaritas are a staple at Taco Mama and part of the restaurant group's claim to fame. The Taco Mama menu has a wide variety of beer, wine and margaritas offered in the individual and pitcher size. They have a variety of unique flavors, such as Prosecco Fizz, watermelon (seasonal,) the Sangrita, jalapeno and pomegranate.

Does Taco Mama have online ordering?

Yes, Taco Mama can be ordered online to go. The restaurant also offers Happy Family take out meal that feed four to six people and serves as a build your own taco kit.

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This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Taco Mama replacing Dickey's Barbecue Pit in Gulf Breeze