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Justin McWilliams is a busy, busy guy. The restaurant developer, who came from homebuilding to this new line of work, is the guy behind much of the redevelopment on Race Street, just northeast of downtown in the Riverside neighborhood. And he's one of the partners at Yucatan Taco Stand, the hopping restaurant/bar on West Magnolia in Fort Worth. The place isn't yet two years old, but it's already hitting a 22 percent profit margin, he says.
Those strong drinks and happy Mexican plates are bringing patrons in droves - especially those of the female variety.
"What was shocking, and wasn’t planned, is that our clients are 3-to-1, or even 4-to-1, women to men. Our vibe is .... really resonating with women," McWilliams says.
Business is so good he and his restaurant group opened a Southlake location last December, sinking about $1 million into that project, with a similar effort in Frisco in February.
"We have common elements we can carry through the stores, such as the bamboo, travertine back bar, sheers, cabana booths and patios on all three," he says. "And the menus are exactly the same."
Justin says the group has just completed its franchise package disclosure and that you're likely to see new Yucatan locations in Houston, Plano, Dallas - and possibly 16 states beyond Texas.
Meanwhile, like any popular show, Yucatan's got a spin-off. The South Beach Taco Factory, a fast-food outfit with a full bar and what Justin calls a "chic, Miami-cool feel," will open its first location on North Tarrant Parkway around mid-July. Another location on the square in Decatur will follow.
Whereas Yucatan locations are 4,000 square feet or more (if the group acquires some Bennigan's locations it's eyeballing, they'll be 6,000 square feet), South Beach shops are 2,500 to 3,000 square feet. Some will have drive-through windows.
"We're going after the family market, and we think this will work in the ancillary markets," he says.
As long as the tacos are good and the margaritas refresh, what's not to like?