Tulsa-based Central States Bueno, LLC, has signed on as Dallas-based Taco Bueno Restaurant’s third major franchise partner, with plans to establish 11 Mexican quick-service restaurant in Central Kansas and Central Nebraska. The first restaurant in the deal is set to open in mid-2006 in Salina, Kansas.
Under the leadership of partners Louis Waller, a top performing Popeye’s franchisee, and KMO Development Group, an industry leader in fully integrated real estate development services for growing restaurant operators, Central States Bueno, LLC will open new Taco Bueno units in the Kansas markets of Topeka, Salina, Junction City and Emporia, and Bueno’s first entry into Nebraska with identified sites in Lincoln, Kearney, Hastings, Grand Island and North Platte. This is the third major franchise deal for Taco Bueno.
“We have long watched the Taco Bueno concept, admiring its fresh food focus, attention to detail and outstanding profitability,” said Greg Owens, Principal of KMO Development Group, Inc. “We jumped at the opportunity to become an integral part of Bueno’s rapid expansion, knowing that KMO’s depth of experience in QSR real estate and construction and Louis’ operating experience would be a winning combination.”
“Taco Bueno’s long standing commitment to quality food and service really excites us and falls in line with our own high standards,” said Louis Waller, Cajun Concepts LLC. “As an operator it’s paramount to have those cornerstones in place. We look forward to building a great relationship with Taco Bueno.”
“Taco Bueno is poised and ready to grow, and we welcome Central States Bueno LLC to our growing group of excellent franchise partners,” said John Miller, Taco Bueno’s newly appointed CEO. “Having recently entered Lubbock and Amarillo, Texas and Wichita, Kansas to record sales, we have great confidence in both our company and franchise growth strategies.”
Taco Bueno continues to field calls from parties interested in franchising. The company will continue to adhere to strict search criteria, selecting only seasoned, multi-unit operators, with the financial capability of opening and operating multiple units over a period of three or more years.
