Grosse Pointe Woods is about to get a taste of Michelin star quality in the form of street tacos and casual dining. Branden McRill, a native of the area with a Michelin star under his belt, aims to bring his culinary mastery back home with the opening of Lola's Taco Bar. This fast-casual eatery is slated to launch in September on Mack Avenue, the previous site of a Boston Market. McRill's journey includes experience at his now-closed New York restaurant, Rebelle, which once boasted a Michelin star.
McRill isn't embarking on this venture alone; he's assembled a team to offer a competitive edge. Joining him are Brandon Zarb, a savvy Detroit-area chef; hospitality veteran Mel Fuechtmann; and quick-service restaurant growth specialist Niko Moschouris. Lola's Taco Bar is set to redefine both affordability and high-quality dining. "The goal is to wow and amaze people by delivering a high-caliber experience as affordably as possible," McRill stated, as reported by ClickOnDetroit. The team is deeply committed to meshing the finesse of fine dining with the unabridged pleasure of enjoying a street taco.
Menu offerings will range from al pastor tacos carved right off the spit to pork belly and rotisserie chicken family meals, all aimed to be under $30. Lola's Taco Bar also plans to cater to diverse tastes with build-your-own bowls and burritos, as well as vegan and vegetarian options. Besides food, the team is launching a community give-back program called "The Good Taco" initiative, where proceeds from a rotating taco menu will go to support local schools and charitable causes. "We're not just opening a restaurant," Fuechtmann mentioned in an interview with ClickOnDetroit. "We want to be deeply ingrained in the local scene, partnering with neighbors and enriching the neighborhood we call home."
While bringing top-tier culinary expertise to a more casual setting, the team is also focused on the overall customer experience. They've set out to make Lola’s not just a food destination but also an everyday go-to place. "We want Lola’s to be your go-to spot — for a quick lunch, a relaxing dinner, a date night, or post-game celebration," Fuechtmann explained, according to WXYZ. With a commitment to community and affordability, McRill and his team are poised to not only serve good food but also build lasting local engagements. As McRill stated in The Detroit News, "In the end ... we want people to have a hard time justifying eating anywhere else."
