Around three months ago, Tampa-based, Tex-Mex chain Capital Tacos launched its franchise program. The plan includes expanding into five new markets in the Southeast, one of them being Nashville.
“Our goal has always been to grow within Florida, within the Southeast and nationally,” said Josh Luger, co-owner and operator partner of Capital Tacos.
Growing the presence of Capital Tacos is an idea five years in the making. However, it has been within the last two or three years that efforts toward turning that vision into a reality have started accelerating. The introduction of the franchise model is a major milestone.
“There are two reasons why we are going the franchising route,” Luger said. “It’s the right way to grow a business. It’s the best thing to do for a business. Employees will not only manage, but will own, too.”
Luger emphasized that franchising can be life-changing.
“We really believe in an atmosphere of inclusion and hard work,” he stated. “It’s not just having a great brand, but it’s partnering with the local community.”
Luger said he believes that an amazing community starts with a great team, which is why Capital Tacos is actively looking for people to partner with.
The restaurant has already established a name for itself in other cities where it has yet to expand due to its popularity with visitors.
“We have a product that we’re extremely proud of,” Luger said. “It’s nationally ranked, and we’ve got requests from people saying they want to bring it to their hometown.”
Luger said his restaurant’s ambition is to have the best Tex-Mex in the country, and it is the depth, the breadth and the quality of the menu that is playing a key role in its success.
With chef-created flavor profiles and meals served straight from the grill, “we consider ourselves fast casual plus,” Luger said. “We run a true scratch kitchen.”
Popular items include Mexican Street Corn, Queso Bites, Ground Beast and Chapel’s Cheesesteak.
Capital Taco’s first Nashville restaurant will be open in late fall or early winter.
“This is really about us planting a flag in Nashville,” Luger stated. “This is the start, but it’s not going to be anywhere close to the ending.”