Taco John’s has opened in Boston under the helm of Reliance Hospitality Group, which has signed a 22-unit development deal for the Boston and Connecticut area in 2021, according to a press release.
Reliance Hospitality Group is spearheaded by CEO and co-Founder Arsal Jaffery and co-Founder Deven Jadav. Jaffery has nearly a decade of experience in the quick-service industry, operating Wendy’s franchises in the Springfield/Hartford, Massachusetts, and New York markets. Jadav brings 22 years of experience owning, operating and constructing hotels with Wyndham, IHG and Choice Hotels across the Southeast and Texas.
In 2023, the group opened the first two Taco John’s locations in the Lawrence and Leominster communities. The duo has a fourth location underway and it is expected to open in Q3 of 2025. They are actively seeking sites for its next five locations in the metro Boston area.
“We’re thrilled to bring Taco John’s to the heart of Boston and introduce even more guests to our signature bold flavors and quality ingredients,” Jaffery said in the release. “When we first experienced Taco John’s, we knew it was special — the brand’s dedication to bold, innovative flavors and fresh ingredients stood out in the quick-service space. The enthusiasm and loyalty of Taco John’s fans across the country spoke volumes, and we saw a clear opportunity to bring that same energy to Boston. Boston is an incredible, dynamic city with a rich food culture and a strong sense of community. We’re committed to establishing Taco John’s as a go-to dining destination for locals and visitors alike.”
Shannon Iverson, VP of development at Taco John’s, said the duo’s dedication and expertise have been instrumental in introducing the brand to the east coast.
“Their strategic approach and passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences align perfectly with our brand’s growth vision,” Iverson said in the release. “As Taco John’s expands our 50-plus-year legacy into more metropolitan spaces, their deep understanding of the restaurant industry and the local markets will continue to be essential.”
Taco John’s was founded in 1969 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and has nearly 350 locations across 22 states.
