Maui Tacos International, Inc., a majority-owned subsidiary of Blimpie International, Inc. (Amex: BLM) announced August 10 that it has signed a three-location development contract with Anton Airfood, Inc. to put Maui Tacos in its airport locations. Current plans are underway to open the “Maui Mex” restaurants in Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington D.C. and in Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport by late fall. An additional location in the Raleigh/Durham International Airport is slated to open in 2001.

The agreement opens the opportunity for Maui Tacos locations in any airport where Anton Airfood holds food-service contracts. Anton Airfood is the premier food-service company in airports in the U.S. Charles Leaness, CEO of Maui Tacos International, said, “This is a great opportunity for our brand. Maui Tacos will soon be visible to travelers from around the world at some of the nation’s busiest airports.” Bill Anton, chairman and founder of Anton Airfood added, “Maui Tacos is a unique concept that we think people will love. We are considered the best company in the industry, so it says a lot for Maui Tacos that we chose them; we believe in what they are doing.”

Created by renowned chef Mark Ellman on the islands of Hawaii, Maui Tacos was first introduced to the mainland in October 1998 when the first location opened in Atlanta, Georgia. Maui Tacos currently has six locations on the mainland and seven in Hawaii with development plans for nine additional locations before the end of 2000. The concept’s menu features traditional Mexican entrees such as tacos and burritos made with charbroiled steak, chicken, and seafood marinated in pineapple and lime juices and spices of the Hawaiian islands.