Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.
The tropical flavors of the Hawaiian Islands will hit Atlantathis summer. Blimpie International Inc. will begin franchising theMaui Tacos restaurant concept, which was created in 1993 byrenowned chef Mark Ellman. Blimpie bought the trademark anddevelopment rights to the restaurant chain that is known throughoutHawaii for its tacos filled with charbroiled steak, chicken andfish marinated in pineapple, lime juice and Hawaiian spices.
Maui Tacos International Inc., the company formed when Blimpiebecame the majority shareholder in Maui Tacos, plans to be thefirst to franchise this unique concept nationwide. Menu items willbe approved by Ellman, who retains the rights to the six Maui Tacoslocations in Hawaii and also holds development rights for theislands.
The mainland Maui Tacos locations will be larger than those inHawaii, seating approximately 50 people. "In Hawaii, almost 70percent of the food is take-out because it's so nice thereyear-round," says Bob Sitkoff, president of Maui TacosInternational. "Here on the mainland, people want to sit downand eat."
The Maui Tacos wave is scheduled to splash down in Miami andPhoenix soon after Atlanta. Says Sitkoff, "It'srestaurant-quality food in a fast-food environment."
Contact Sources
Maui Tacos International Inc., (888) MAUI-TACOS
