Longtime restaurateur Paul Fleming has signed a letter of intent to partner with three-unit Tex-Mex chain Tacos & Tequila Cantina, with plans to expand the concept outside of Florida, the parties announced Wednesday.
Details of the partnership, which also includes investment firm The Hoffmann Family of Companies, were not released.
Fleming’s backing has significance as he has created or developed a slew of restaurant brands, including Paul Martin’s American Grill, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, P.F. Chang’s and Pei Wei Asian Diner.
Kelly and Aldo Musico opened the first Tacos & Tequila Cantina in August 2013 in Naples, Fla. The concept is known for its handmade tortillas, specialty margaritas and eclectic atmosphere.
“Tacos & Tequila Cantina blends a passion for local, fresh, hand-crafted food with a vibrant atmosphere,” Fleming said in a statement. “The culture and brand that the Musico’s built in the Naples community embodies the type of experience guests are looking for today and in years to come.”
David Hoffman, chairman of Hoffmann Commercial Real Estate and founder of private-equity firm Osprey Capital, said in a statement that he looks forward to expanding the brand “statewide and eventually nationwide.”
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