Danny Meyer’s Enlightened Hospitality Investments surpassed its $300 million goal for this funding round, reaching a staggering $332 million. Continuing the trend led by Union Square Hospitality Group’s darling Shake Shack, Enlightened will channel its support towards fine-casual dining and technology companies. The fund is behind emerging brands and now market staples such as Goldbelly, Salt & Straw, Joe Coffee, and most recently New York-based taco chain Tacombi.
Tacombi is set to compete against standing Mexican fast-casual brands like Chipotle. The brand will focus on East Coast expansion, battling for hot markets like Washington D.C., Miami, New York, and Long Island.
In a press statement, Meyer said: “Dario Wolos founded and leads the kind of beloved brand, winning business and enlightened team-first culture that beautifully aligns with our mission at Enlightened Hospitality Investments…And, of course, we love the authentic food and drink, a loving expression of Dario’s desire to authentically share his love for Mexican hospitality with a broader American audience. Tacombi is building an incredibly dynamic business, solidly positioned for growth both with its bustling taquerias and exceptional line of quality packaged foods.”
Tacombi was launched by founder Dario Wolos in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. The converted Volkswagen bus-turned taco stand offered a popular menu with regional flavors. Wolos brought the concept to New York and found an enthusiastic fanbase for its unique offerings and focus on hospitality.
Powered by the $27.5 million investment, Tacombi plans to open 75 locations over the next five years and continue building out its consumer-packaged-goods brand Vista Hermosa. Vista Hermosa currently offers a line of corn and flour tortillas and tortilla chips and plans to add frozen burritos next year.
