GROSSE POINTE WOODS, Mich. – A Michelin-starred restaurateur and other industry professionals are set to bring affordable tacos and margaritas to Grosse Pointe Woods in September.
The new restaurant, Lola’s Taco Bar, is expected to open in the former Boston Market space at 20195 Mack Avenue after Labor Day.
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The taco bar is a collaboration between Michelin-starred restaurateur Branden McRill, seasoned Detroit-area chef Brandon Zarb, hospitality veteran Mel Fuechtmann and QSR growth specialist Niko Moschouris, according to a release.
McRill, who is a Grosse Pointe native, started his journey in the industry washing dishes at the Grosse Pointe Hunt Club, and quickly climbed the ranks, holding roles at Chicago’s Alinea, Paul Kahan’s Avec and Blackbird, and iconic New York restaurants including The Modern, Jean Georges, and Alain Ducasse’s Benoit.
Now, after achieving success with his own restaurants in New York and Philadelphia, he is returning home to open Lola’s Taco Bar.
The plan for Lola’s is to give guests an “extraordinary culinary experience stripped of unnecessary formality,” according to the release.
“We’ve taken fun very seriously,” McRill said. “The goal is to wow and amaze people by delivering a high-caliber experience as affordably as possible. Lola’s will blend all the lessons we’ve learned from fine dining with the straightforward joy of street tacos.”
Chef Brandon Zarb, who has held roles at Chicago taco bar Big Star and the Mexican-inspired diner Luncheonette, along with Imperial, the Detroit Athletic Club and Rising Stars Academy, has designed a menu to redefine what casual dining can be for people.
Some of the offerings will include al pastor tacos, shaved from vertical rotisserie, pork belly, rotisserie chicken family meals for less than $30, build-your-own bowls and burritos, along with vegan and vegetarian options.
The taco bar will also serve margaritas, beer and non-alcoholic beverages.
In addition, the taco bar plans to give back to the community with its “The Good Taco” initiative. Proceeds from a rotating taco will be donated to support schools, teams, local organizations and other charitable causes throughout the community.
“We’re not just opening a restaurant,” Fuechtmann said. “We want to be deeply ingrained in the local scene, partnering with neighbors and enriching the neighborhood we call home.”
