Atlanta-based, five-unit Mexican street food concept, Rreal Tacos, announced Wednesday that it had acquired a majority stake in local traditional Mexican restaurant, Zócalo. Rreal Tacos owners Damian Otero and Miguel Hernandez had both been patrons of Zócalo for years before they began discussing partnership opportunities with the independent Atlanta restaurant’s owners, chef Lucero Martinez-Obregon and brothers Marco and Luis Martinez.
Zócalo is a Midtown Atlanta family-owned restaurant known for traditional recipes made from the brothers’ mother’s homecooked dishes like moles and burritos, created with ingredients shipped in from Chicago and Mexico.
New majority owners Otero and Hernandez reassured regular customers that they will not be making major changes to the menus. Instead, they want to celebrate the 30-year history of the brand and honor the restaurant’s legacy by bringing back a few old favorite recipes and “maybe adding a margarita or two.”
“We want to bring in new energy and new systems, without taking control from our partners,” Otero said.
For Zócalo’s original owners, the partnership and infusion of capital will be an opportunity to solidify the brand’s legacy in Atlanta.
“I feel like this is completing a circle,” Martinez said in a statement. “By finding the right team in Damian and Miguel, we’re going to honor our parents, get back to our roots and bring back the original excitement and energy that made us a beloved institution. We’re definitely going to become a legacy in Atlanta.”
For more background on Rreal Taco’s operational and leadership style, check out Ron Ruggless’ DrinkedIn Live conversation with Damian Otero and Miguel Hernandez here.
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