RISE - Menu Monitor

Taco Cabana
Headquarters
8918 Tesoro Dr. Suite 200, San Antonio, Texas 78217 USA
Tel: (210)804-0990 Fax: (210)804-1970
www.tacocabana.com
Ownership: Private
Segment: Limited Service Mexican
System Characteristics 2006 2005 2004
U.S. Systemwide Sales ($000) 232,800 211,000 213,375
Company-owned ($000) 228,300 211,000 202,500
Franchised ($000) 4,500 - 10,875
U.S. Number of Units 146 130 134
Company-owned 143 130 126
Franchised 3 - 8
International Sales ($000) - - -
International Units - - -
Average Sales/Unit ($000) 1,643 1,625 1,604
Concept Positioning |
Taco Cabana is a limited-service café concept that offers Mexican fare. The chain is owned by Carrols Holdings Corp. and
operates 146 locations in Texas, New Mexico and Ohio.
Units are generally freestanding and average around 3,200 sq. ft and seat about 80 customers. Patios seat an additional 50
patrons in a garden-like setting. The interior is a Mexican cantina atmosphere and is accented with display kitchens, traditional
and contemporary Latin music, tropical landscaping and decorative artifacts. Exteriors are typically bright pink and feature
painted and neon accents. Self-service counters, where customers order and pick-up items are generally separate form the
indoor dining area. A self-serve salsa bar is also located in this area. In addition, units offer drive-through service.
Taco Cabana was founded in 1978 in San Antonio, TX, by Felix Stehling. By 1986, Stehling and other relatives opened nine
units before dividing their holdings into two groups to pursue different expansion strategies. In 1992, Taco Cabana, Inc.
completed the acquisition of TaCasita, Inc., with holdings controlled by a brother of Felix Stehling, and Sombrero Rosa for
conversion to Taco Cabanas. Proceeds were to be used for payment of debts related to its 1992 acquisitions as well as
development of additional company-owned units or acquisitions of complementary restaurant concepts. In 2001, Carrols
Holdings Corp. completed its acquisition of the chain. Currently, there are no major expansion plans.
Menu Positioning |
Taco Cabana is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast options include Huevos Rancheros, Fajitas and Eggs, and
Breakfast Tacos. A variety of items are available for lunch and dinner, including salads, tortillas, fajitas, quesadillas, tacos,
burritos, nachos, and flautas. Signature items include Cabana Bowls, Chicken Fajita Salad, Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas,
Fajita Steak Quesadilla, Carne Guisada Tacos, Bean & Cheese Nachos, and Flautas (available in three, six or 12 packs). The
chain also showcases Tex-Mex dinner plates complete with entrée and rice, beans and tortillas. Specialties include Chicken
Flameanté, a marinated rotisserie chicken dish. Desserts include Tres Leches Cake, Carrot Cake, and Chocolate Cajeta
Cake. Most units serve alcoholic beverages and feature margaritas and Mexican beer. Menu prices range from 99¢–$10.99.
Checks average $9.
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