A BELOVED Mexican chain restaurant and Taco Bell rival is making a major change to its operations that will be rolled out in just days.
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is deviating from its usual model, launching its first ever full-service restaurant next week.
AlamyFuzzy’s Taco Shop is a Texas-based fast casual chain[/caption] GettyFuzzy’s is making a major change, launching its first full-service location in days[/caption]Founded in 2003 in Fort Worth, Texas, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is a fast casual chain with a focus on Baja-style Mexican cuisine.
Well-known for its tacos, burritos, and margaritas, the restaurant chain operates over 100 locations across the country, primarily in The Lone Star State.
The chain’s traditional spots feature a walk-up format where guests order at the counter and pick up their food at a designated window once it’s ready.
Fuzzy’s is taking strides to depart from its traditional restaurant format, piloting a full-service model where diners are seated and order from a server, dubbed a “Tacotender.”
The new location will be called Fuzzy’s Tacos and Margs.
Not only will it offer a tableside experience for guests, but also a revamped menu with dishes like the Texas Brisket Taco, Cali-Style Steak Taco, Ultimate Nachos, and Sonora Relleno.
States with Fuzzy's Taco Shop
Fuzzy's has restaurant locations across a handful of US states:
Alabama Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Florida Iowa Kansas Louisiana Minnesota Mississippi Ohio Oklahoma Texas WyomingSource: Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
Guests will see new margaritas like the Paloma ‘Rita and Watermelon ’Rita, as well as frozen alcoholic drinks such as the Fuzz Driver and Double Rum Daiquiri.
The new full-service location will debut in the Houston suburb of Sugar Land, Texas, and is expected to open on Monday, June 16.
Fuzzy’s will hand out free tacos for a whole year to the first 50 customers in line on opening day, and the first 100 will receive a free Fuzzy’s Taco Shop shirt.
“We’re excited to pilot this new model that puts hospitality front and center while simplifying the overall experience for our guests,” Fuzzy’s president Patrick Kirk said in a statement, per National Restaurant News.
“Sugar Land is helping us find that sweet spot between fast casual and full-service, with a streamlined menu, bold new taco creations, and a margarita lineup that puts our bar front and center.”
The new spot is owned by the NGA Group and operated by brothers Andrew and Miro Nazarian, who signed an agreement to open three full-service Fuzzy’s locations by the end of 2025.
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop will evaluate how these locations perform before scaling the full-service model.
TACO TRANSFORMATION
Fuzzy’s was acquired in 2022 by Dine Brands Global, the parent company behind Applebee’s and IHOP.
The Mexican chain has struggled in recent years, experiencing a 12% sales decline across all its restaurants in the first quarter, per an earnings release, as well as a drop in its store count.
Restaurant closures in 2025
Denny’s – Denny’s has confirmed that up to 150 locations are set to close in the US by the end of the year as many of them are no longer profitable.
Red Lobster – The chain has said that it plans to close over 100 stores across the country this year as new CEO Damola Adamolekun takes over.
TGI Friday’s – TGI Friday’s is still being forced to shutter locations thanks to a bankruptcy filing, including 30 in April alone.
Applebee’s – This chain is projecting a loss of 20 to 35 Applebee’s spots in 2025 but is teaming up with IHOP to introduce dual-branded locations with a curated menu of the two’s best items.
Noodles & Company – This emporium is set to close between 17 and 21 locations in 2025 following a difficult 2024.
The chain finished the first quarter with 115 locations, compared to 128 during the same time in 2024.
Fuzzy’s has also faced challenges with intensifying competition in such a saturated food market, although the chain has a loyal fan base to back it up.
“Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is by far better than Taco Bell,” praised one fan on X, as another called it a “better version” of the latter chain.
The move to roll out the new full-service restaurant model is an effort to accomodate consumers’ shifting preferences and comes amid several other initiatives to boost Fuzzy’s performance.
For example, Fuzzy’s rolled out a happy hour promotion at all of its locations in May, featuring options $5 and under, including a $4 house margarita.
The beloved chain also upgraded its online ordering site and partnered with third-party delivery services “to increase market visibility and reach our guests where they are and how they want to order,” Dine Brands CEO John Peyton said in an earnings call.
Dine Brands Global’s other chains are similarly rolling out changes.
For example, Applebee’s confirmed a huge change to how you pay for your meal in a major shakeup to 460 locations.
Plus, Applebee’s and IHOP previously revealed a massive collaboration with “exclusive items” – and 15 more restaurants are on the way.
GettyFuzzy’s Taco Shop is frequently pitted against Taco Bell[/caption] Read More Details
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