Baja-Inspired Fuzzy’s Taco Shop Is Expanding in Dallas-Ft. Worth and Beyond

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop isn’t just about serving up Baja-inspired tacos, frosty margaritas and famous chips and queso? -- although each is guaranteed to Fuzzy’s visitors, and then some. The unique taco brand is also committed to providing guests with all the laid-back vibes and good times that come with a visit to the come-as-you-are taco joint.  

That Baja-inflected atmosphere is making major waves when it comes to franchise development.

Relaxed, flavorful and hangout-ready, it’s no surprise that Fuzzy’s has enjoyed a cult-like following since the first location opened in Fort Worth, Texas in 2003. The brand began franchising in 2007 and now boasts nearly 150 franchised locations in 16 states. Fuzzy’s opened 70 franchise locations in the last three years and claims over 50 units in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. The brand plans to hit the 200-unit mark by the end of 2020, crediting its explosive growth to a hungry fan base that is as eager to spread the Fuzzy’s love as it is to dip into the taco shop’s house-made queso. 

With brand loyalists raising a frosted schooner across markets, a family-friendly atmosphere and a competitive consumer value proposition thanks to an average family ticket price under $30, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is well-positioned for impressive franchise growth nationwide.

So where is the brand next hoping consumers will “taco ‘bout” it? Its home state of Texas.

“We have franchisees who hear that we’re growing in northern Texas and they move to be in the growth market and take advantage of the opportunity for franchise ownership,” 

said Andie Smirl, Franchise Sales Manager for Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. “That’s a level of brand love that our competitors just don’t have.” 

Smirl emphasized the power of the Fuzzy’s fandom in terms of franchise growth, explaining that the majority of prospective franchise candidates seeking ownership are themselves Fuzzy’s regulars. Given that several nearby Texas markets – namely San Antonio and Houston – are fairly saturated when it comes to tacos, it might seem risky to seek an expanded footprint in the Lone Star State. 

Might, that is, if you don’t know Fuzzy’s.

“There may be taco competition, but there isn’t Fuzzy’s competition,” emphasized Smirl. “We are in a category unto ourselves thanks to the experience we offer our guests. One franchisee’s wife said that going to Fuzzy’s feels like being on vacation, and that vibe is in everything we do.”

A place so laid-back it feels like vacation? Unsurprisingly, in addition to fueling the aforementioned franchise growth, such a locale draws a diverse pool of hungry guests.

“We completed a brand repositioning recently and determined that Fuzzy’s target demographic is everyone,”laughed Smirl. “You can come in with your family; you can come in and watch the game; or you can meet your coworkers after a shift for a beer or margarita. There’s truly something for everyone.”

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop Chief Development Officer, Michael Mabry, echoed Smirl’s point that so-called competitors really can’t compare to Fuzzy’s.

“Our food quality and culture are unmatched,” said Mabry. “Many items on our menu are made in-house, from our salsa and guacamole to our rice and beans. And then when you add the chill and inviting culture? It’s a win-win.”

To support plans to expand in Texas, Fuzzy’s is cultivating organic brand buzz and developing existing, qualified franchisees into multi-unit owners, and growing the brand’s executive leadership team. Smirl emphasized that Fuzzy’s corporate team provides unparalleled support as a result of the breadth of franchising experience they hold ranging from operations to restaurant expansion expertise. 

In addition to Dallas-Ft. Worth development, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is seeking to grow by way of multi-unit owners in Houston, San Antonio and Austin. Mabry said that ideal franchise candidates will be just as passionate about all things Fuzzy’s as is the brand’s taco-craving fandom.

“We’re committed to finding the right people in the right markets,” said Mabry. “Our top candidates have to possess a passion for people and food. They have to be unrelenting on brand standards and possess a great understanding of what it means to provide exceptional service to guests and team members. They have to be able to identify talent, as well—at the end of the day, our team members are the most important part of the brand.”

Smirl echoed this Fuzzy’s focus.

“Most of our franchisees were consumers first, and we really pride ourselves on that,” Smirl said. “They walk into Fuzzy’s and want to join the Fuzzy’s family. We’re excited to now actively expand that family through franchising.”

The investment level to open a Fuzzy’s Taco Shop location is $858,500 to $1,329,000. For more information about franchising opportunities with Fuzzy’s, please visit www.myfuzzys.com.