Franchising has become a popular business model for many entrepreneurs looking to expand their reach and grow their businesses. One recent example of successful franchising is the opening of a Taco John’s location in Boston under the leadership of Reliance Hospitality Group. This development marks the beginning of a 22-unit development deal for the Boston and Connecticut area signed in 2021.
The driving forces behind Reliance Hospitality Group are CEO and co-Founder Arsal Jaffery and co-Founder Deven Jadav. Jaffery brings nearly a decade of experience in the quick-service industry, having operated Wendy’s franchises in the Springfield/Hartford, Massachusetts, and New York markets. On the other hand, Jadav has 22 years of experience owning, operating, and constructing hotels with Wyndham, IHG, and Choice Hotels across the Southeast and Texas.
In 2023, the group successfully opened the first two Taco John’s locations in the Lawrence and Leominster communities. Currently, they are working on their fourth location, set to open in Q3 of 2025. Additionally, they are actively seeking sites for their next five locations in the metro Boston area.
Jaffery expressed his excitement about bringing Taco John’s to Boston, highlighting the brand’s bold flavors and quality ingredients that set it apart in the quick-service space. He emphasized the brand’s dedication to innovation and fresh ingredients, which resonated with both him and Jadav. Their goal is to establish Taco John’s as a go-to dining destination for both locals and visitors in Boston.
Shannon Iverson, VP of development at Taco John’s, commended the duo’s dedication and expertise in introducing the brand to the east coast. She praised their strategic approach and passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences, noting that these qualities align perfectly with Taco John’s growth vision as they expand their legacy into more metropolitan spaces.
Taco John’s, founded in 1969 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, currently operates nearly 350 locations across 22 states. The brand’s expansion into the Boston and Connecticut area under the leadership of Reliance Hospitality Group signifies a significant milestone in their growth journey.
The successful partnership between Taco John’s and Reliance Hospitality Group serves as an example of how franchising can facilitate the growth and expansion of a brand into new markets. By leveraging the expertise and dedication of experienced franchisees like Jaffery and Jadav, brands can establish a strong presence in new territories and attract a loyal customer base.
As Taco John’s continues to expand its footprint across the country, partnerships with dedicated franchisees like Reliance Hospitality Group will play a crucial role in driving the brand’s success and solidifying its position as a leading player in the quick-service industry. The opening of the Boston location is just the beginning of what promises to be a fruitful collaboration between Taco John’s and Reliance Hospitality Group in the years to come.
