Rick Bayless, who has gained wide acclaim for his Mexican restaurants in Chicago, is opening a fast-casual concept in New York City this fall.
Tortazo, which already has one location in Willis Tower in Chicago, is slated to debut in Manhattan’s NoMad neighborhood shortly after Labor Day, according to the concept’s new president, Sam Lipp, who is based in New York City.
The restaurant focuses on grilled versions of Mexican torta sandwiches, although bowls, soups and salads are available as well. The Manhattan unit will also have happy-hour-friendly shareable dishes such as quesadillas, tlayudas — a sort of large tostada brushed with refried beans — and maybe ceviche.
The concept also has backing from Jollibee Food Corp., which owns a percentage of Bayless’ Tortas Frontera concept in Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, as well as Chicago-based DOM Capital Group, which has invested in Bayless’ Frontera Grill in the past.
Bayless also operates Topolobampo, Xoco, Bar Sótano, Leña Brava, Cruz Blanca and Frontera Cocina, all in Chicago.
For more on Tortazo, read Rick Bayless to expand fast-casual Tortazo concept to New York City.
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