TikiTaco: Emerging Fast Casual Innovation in the Heartland
In the dynamic world of fast casual dining, TikiTaco is proving that innovation and local flavor can create a winning recipe for growth. Founded in 2017 and strategically positioned in Kansas City, this emerging brand has caught the attention of industry insiders, recently landing on Fast Casual's Top 20 Brands to Watch list. Led by CEO Eric Knott, who joined the team in July, TikiTaco has been methodically building a unique dining experience that blends quick service with a vibrant, community-driven atmosphere.
What sets TikiTaco apart is its flexible approach to restaurant design and menu creativity. Operating locations ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 square feet, the brand can adapt to various real estate opportunities, from walkup windows to spaces with expansive patios. Their menu goes beyond traditional Mexican fare, incorporating innovative offerings like Korean-inspired tacos, vegetarian options, and signature items like their Thai fried chicken taco with temporal fried chicken and cabbage jalapeño crema.
Technology and operational efficiency have been key to TikiTaco's growth strategy. After Knott's arrival, the company rapidly expanded its technological infrastructure, implementing 13 different technologies to automate processes and enable faster decision-making. This approach has allowed them to streamline operations while maintaining a scratch-made kitchen that prepares items like 4-hour carnitas and slow-cooked ground beef, ensuring quality without sacrificing speed.
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Third-party delivery has become a strategic growth channel for TikiTaco, currently representing 20% of their business. Rather than viewing delivery platforms as a challenge, Knott has negotiated more favorable terms and used them as a customer acquisition tool. In February alone, they attracted 600 new guests through these platforms, demonstrating the potential of smart digital marketing in the fast casual sector.
The brand's expansion plans are ambitious but measured. Currently operating three locations in Kansas City, TikiTaco is constructing a new restaurant in Olathe, Kansas, and has signed a lease in Shawnee. They've also secured a location in the Hyvee Arena and operate a food truck, showcasing their adaptable growth model. Their success reflects broader trends in the fast casual market, which is projected to nearly double from $65.2 billion to $150 billion by 2028.
As the fast casual segment continues to evolve, brands like TikiTaco are redefining customer expectations. By offering an elevated dining experience at affordable prices, complete with features like full-service bars and spacious patios, they're capturing the market's desire for quality, convenience, and a sense of community. With their innovative approach and strategic growth, TikiTaco represents the future of fast casual dining - local, tech-savvy, and always delicious.
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