Taco Mayo

Taco Mayo is a regional quick-service Mexican restaurant chain based in Oklahoma City, specializing in customizable Tex-Mex favorites like tacos, burritos, nachos, and quesadillas. The company was founded in 1978 by Ralph and Nancy Ward, who opened the first location in Norman, Oklahoma. Their early focus on fresh, made-to-order meals and drive-thru convenience quickly made Taco Mayo a staple for local families and college students.

Over the years, Taco Mayo expanded across Oklahoma and into neighboring states, reaching more than 80 locations at its peak in the late 1990s. As of November 2025, the brand operates approximately 50 restaurants, with its core presence in Oklahoma and a growing footprint in Texas and Kansas. The company remains privately owned and independent, emphasizing steady, organic growth in its established markets.

In the past five years, Taco Mayo has continued to evolve by targeting infill opportunities within Oklahoma and carefully entering adjacent states. The brand favors high-visibility sites in suburban and mid-sized markets, often selecting properties that support drive-thru service or endcap positions in active retail centers. Expansion efforts are balanced between franchising and corporate development, with a clear priority on operational consistency and maintaining brand standards.

Taco Mayo’s approach has resulted in a stable presence in secondary and tertiary markets, supported by a loyal customer base and a reputation for value-driven menu offerings and frequent limited-time specials. The company’s willingness to adapt its store formats to a variety of retail environments, along with its measured but consistent growth strategy, has helped it remain a credible and reliable tenant for landlords and developers in the Southern Plains region.