A Mexican fast-food chain you've probably never heard of was just named best in America
Taco BuenoA regional Tex-Mex chain was just named the best Mexican restaurant chain in America.
Taco Bueno ranks as Americans' favorite Mexican chain, according to Market Force Information's annual quick service restaurant study. The chain beat out restaurant like Chipotle and Qdoba, which tied for first last year, as well as Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill and El Pollo Loco.
With 175 locations in seven states, the Farmers Branch, Texas-based chain is significantly smaller than much of the competition. For comparison, Chipotle has more than 1,500 locations.
The first Taco Bueno opened in Abilene, Texas in 1967.
Taco Bueno
The chain emphasizes the freshness of products, making salsa from scratch and boiling pinto beans overnight to re-fry in the morning.
Taco Bueno
Taco Bueno also serves some exceptional super-sized meals. The Big Freak'n Taco is a "two-handed beast," while the Wholotta Platter packs in a taco, Muchado, rice, refried beans, a side of queso, and a "chilida" - a chili and queso covered enchilada.
The menu also includes more standard Tex-Mex fare, like burritos, nachos, and tacos.
While most people outside of Texas and Oklahoma may not know about the chain, Taco Bueno loyalists are a vocal force on social media.
The company began franchising in 2005, and was acquired by TPG Growth last year. Now, the chain has been making a franchise push in states including Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, and Louisiana.