Taqueria Del Sol, the popular Georgia-based Southwest-ican mini-franchise will be landing in Philly in the early part of 2012. The new franchise is still negotiating leases in Center City, but rest assured you'll be eating Fried Chicken Tacos before the weather turns warm next year somewhere in town.
Owners Mike Klank and Eddie Hernandez, who previously worked together at The Sundown Cafe, launched the Taqueria Del Sol franchise in 2000 in Atlanta to great critical acclaim. Bon Appétit named Taqueria Del Sol the "Top American Restaurant," and Garden and Gun listed their Fish Tacos one of the "100 Foods You Must Try Before You Die." Most recently, Klank and Hernandez were semi-finalists in the "Best Restaurateur" category at the 2011 James Beard Awards.
Friends of The Feast in Atlanta called Taqueria Del Sol the "Shake Shack of Mexican Food," and mentioned that Philly should prepare for long lines, but not long waits, as the counter-only service moves quickly. As to where the franchise in Philly could land, one of the hallmarks of Taqueria Del Sol is a large covered outdoor seating area with lots of natural sunlight, so keep your eyes peeled. [The Feast]
