Restaurateur Jose Garces plans to open a new location for his Baja-inspired taqueria, Buena Onda, in Rockville Pike in Maryland.
Garces has signed the first franchise deal in Maryland to open at 12137 Rockville Pike, Suite 14. The Award-winning Iron Chef will partner with restaurateurs Zong Chen and Alexis Chen to run other locations in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region.
Chen and Chen own and run over a dozen eateries and concepts in the DC area, including Kung Fu Tea, District Dumpling, and Luna Halls.
The construction for the Rockville Pike location, which will span 2,000, is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2024, with a possible opening date planned for the second or third quarter of 2024, according to a press release.
“I’m excited to see my concept, which started back in 2015, continue to grow and thrive amid an ever-changing restaurant environment,” said Chef Garces, the leading culinary expert in Spanish and Latin-American food. “Buena Onda is a brand that is welcoming to individual diners and families alike, and the awarding of the first five licenses proves that the brand is an attractive model for investors and franchisees.”
Buena Onda, which has several Pennsylvania locations, will feature a Baja-inspired menu that includes Garces’ fish tacos, Buena bowls, and burritos. The space will also feature a relaxing tranquillo décor.
“I can’t wait to share my passion for food with the DMV community and create a dining experience that will leave a lasting impression on everyone who visits,” Garces said.
He continued: “One of the best things about expanding to this region, especially coming from Philadelphia, is that the locations are close enough to our home base that we are able to keep a very close eye on quality during this expansion and quickly make the necessary tweaks to ensure that our high quality and dedication to authentic Buena Onda vibes stays true.”
