Taco Mama, the popular Alabama-based taco spot known for its fresh food and relaxed atmosphere, officially opened in Newnan on December 15. For founder Will Haver, this new Georgia location is more than just another restaurant, it’s a continuation of a journey that started with a love for food, people, and creating memorable experiences.
“When we opened the first Taco Mama, there wasn’t this big plan to grow into multiple locations,” Haver said. “It really came from a passion for making great food and giving people great service. That’s still what drives us today.”
Unlike big-name chains that pop up everywhere, Taco Mama takes a slower, more intentional approach to growth. The key? People. “We don’t do franchising,” Haver explained. “We do an owner-operator model, so we grow where we find people who are excited to lead and who believe in our culture. That’s how we ended up in Newnan, because the right people wanted to bring it here.”
Taco Mama already has a location in Athens, and expanding within Georgia feels like a natural fit. But Haver is clear that it’s never just about geography. “The restaurant is only going to be as good as the person leading it,” he said. “You’ve got to have someone who’s passionate about what we do every day.”
Haver and his team have spent years studying other restaurant brands they admire, like Chick-fil-A, In-N-Out Burger, and Raising Cane’s, looking at how they’ve managed to grow while still staying true to who they are. “We’re not trying to copy anybody, but we do respect what they’ve done,” he said. “They’ve protected their quality, and that’s what we’re always trying to do, too.”
That means saying no, often. “We get requests all the time from people who want to open Taco Mama in other states,” he said. “But we’re careful. We don’t want to spread ourselves too thin. It’s too important to us to get it right.”
And getting it right takes work. When a new location opens, the Birmingham-based training team comes in to help get things up and running. “We spend two weeks recruiting, two weeks training, and then we stay on for another two weeks after opening,” Haver said. “We want that very first guest who walks in to have a great experience, even if it’s the first day.”
Taco Mama’s menu is all about fresh, customizable options, including build-your-own tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, quesadillas, and more. One thing that sets it apart? The toppings are unlimited. “We never wanted to be the place that charges you extra for every little thing,” Haver said. “If you want more toppings, ask. If you want extra chips or sauce, no problem. We want our team to be able to say yes.”
Everything is made in-house, from the sauces to the hand-trimmed tenderloin steak. “We’re pretty particular about what we serve,” he added. “You can eat healthy at Taco Mama, or you can indulge a bit. Either way, it’s real food, and you can tell.”
What makes Taco Mama stand out isn’t just the food, though, it’s also the atmosphere. “There’s just a warmth to it,” Haver said. “People always tell us they feel something different when they walk in. That’s the energy of our team. We hire people who naturally have that hospitality spirit.”
Haver was in attendance for the opening of the Newnan location, supporting the team and checking in on how things were going. “The drive from Birmingham is about two and a half hours, and I actually enjoy it,” he said. “There’s nothing like being there in person, seeing how the team is doing, and feeling the setting of the restaurant.”
While he’s had plenty of opportunities to grow Taco Mama far and wide, Haver says he’s focused on thoughtful, local expansion. “We’ve had people ask us to bring Taco Mama to Texas, Virginia, all over,” he said. “But we want to grow the right way. That’s how you protect what makes it special.”
Taco Mama opened in Newnan at 440 Newnan Crossing Bypass Suite 209 on December 15, and if history is any indication, it won’t take long for Coweta residents to become regulars. “Once people come in and give us a try, they usually walk out fans,” Haver said. “We’re just excited to be part of the Newnan community and truly happy we can open our doors.”
To see more about Taco Mama click here.
