In Grosse Pointe Woods, a quiet wave of excitement is building over an unexpected new arrival, a taco bar backed by serious culinary star power. This September, hometown native Branden McRill, a chef-restaurateur who earned a Michelin star in New York City, is coming back to Michigan to launch Lola’s Taco Bar. For local families and savvy foodies alike, the opening of Lola’s isn’t just another restaurant debut, it’s a homecoming story that blends world-class experience with genuine neighborhood charm.

Nestled at 20195 Mack Avenue (in the former Boston Market spot), Lola’s Taco Bar promises to bring a “fun dining” twist to the community. Think street taco joint meets fine-dining flair: a place where you might grab a quick casual lunch with the kids one day, and enjoy margaritas on date night the next. The concept has already been described by its creators as an “extraordinary culinary experience” without the fuss of formal dining. In a town known for its close-knit feel and traditional eateries, Lola’s is gearing up to offer something fresh, affordable, high-quality tacos and cocktails with a side of local pride.

A Michelin-Starred Homecoming

Branden McRill’s return to Grosse Pointe is a big deal – and with good reason. McRill is a Grosse Pointe native who climbed to the top of the culinary world, starting as a 15-year-old dishwasher at the old Grosse Pointe Hunt Club and eventually running his own Michelin-starred restaurant in Manhattan. In the 2000s and 2010s, he made a name opening or managing acclaimed eateries across the country: Alinea in Chicago, The Modern and Jean-Georges in NYC, and Rebelle, his wine-centric New York venture that earned a coveted Michelin star before it closed in 2017. After decades away, McRill moved back to Michigan in 2024 with a dream of bringing his hard-earned expertise home.

According to McRill, Grosse Pointe was always at the top of his list for a new restaurant. The timing finally felt right when the Mack Avenue property became available, providing the perfect spot for this venture. “I’ve wanted to open restaurants in metro Detroit, and of all the places I thought of, Grosse Pointe was high on the list,” McRill shared in an interview. “When a prime location opened up in my hometown, it was the cherry on top, I knew this had to be the place.” For McRill, Lola’s Taco Bar is the culmination of nearly 30 years in hospitality coming full circle, back to the community where his journey began.

  

Fine Dining Flavors Meet Street Tacos

At its heart, Lola’s Taco Bar aims to mix the best of fine dining with the laid-back fun of a taco joint. McRill and his team often say they’re “taking fun very seriously” in this project. What does that mean for diners? Expect all the little touches that elevate a meal, minus any stuffy formality. “The goal is to wow and amaze people by delivering a high-caliber experience as affordably as possible,” McRill has said. In other words, Lola’s plans to deliver top-notch food and service at prices that make it an easy everyday choice.

One way they’re doing this is by transferring lessons learned in Michelin-star kitchens to a casual setting. Chef Brandon Zarb – Lola’s executive chef, believes even humble street tacos can be taken to new heights. “The street taco is the perfect culinary canvas,” Zarb says. “Our salsas, proteins, and fresh ingredients will redefine expectations of what casual dining can be”. That means diners can look forward to the kind of bold flavors and creativity you might find at an upscale downtown restaurant, but in a relaxed, come-as-you-are environment.

Importantly, Lola’s isn’t claiming to reinvent the wheel, metro Detroit already has plenty of taco spots – but they do plan to set themselves apart through quality and experience. The restaurant will be primarily counter-service for speed and simplicity, yet it won’t feel like a no-frills fast-food joint. Customers will order at the counter, but don’t be surprised if staff stop by your table to check in, offer another round of drinks, or see if you need anything, all without making you mess with a QR code or app. This hybrid approach aims to marry quick-service efficiency with genuine hospitality, so whether you’re in a hurry or hanging out for the evening, Lola’s has you covered. “Lola’s will blend all the lessons we’ve learned from fine dining with the straightforward joy of street tacos,” McRill notes, encapsulating the philosophy.

For those exploring Grosse Pointe Woods restaurants and the broader Detroit taco landscape, check out The Perna Team’s guide to the best Mexican restaurants in Detroit

Tacos & Tequila with a Twist

Perhaps the most mouth-watering part of Lola’s Taco Bar is the menu, which is rooted in authentic taco traditions but isn’t afraid to get creative. Chef Zarb is curating a lineup of tacos and more that will please both purists and adventurous eaters. Here are some of the highlights locals can look forward to:

  • Authentic Al Pastor Tacos: Lola’s will feature pork al pastor shaved straight from a vertical rotisserie spit, the traditional way you’d find on a Mexico City street corner. This juicy, marinated pork, roasted on a trompo with pineapple, is a rarity in many Detroit taco joints and signals the kitchen’s commitment to doing things the right way. Each taco comes loaded with vibrant toppings, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite.

  • Rotisserie Chicken Family Meal: In a lucky twist of fate, the old Boston Market left behind a state-of-the-art rotisserie oven, and Lola’s team is putting it to good use. They’ll offer a rotisserie chicken taco combo designed for families or groups, complete with warm tortillas, pickled veggies, guacamole, and all the fixings. This sharable meal is hearty, budget-friendly (priced under $30), and perfect for takeout night or feeding the whole table.

  • Creative Taco Fillings (Including Veggie Options): Traditionalists can enjoy classics like tender pork belly tacos and street-style grilled meats, while vegetarians and vegans have plenty to celebrate too. Lola’s menu will include veggie-forward options and plant-based fillings, ensuring that everyone, from the carnivore to the herbivore, can build their perfect taco or burrito bowl.

  • Build-Your-Own Bowls & Burritos: In addition to tacos, the restaurant lets you customize your own burrito or bowl, Chipotle-style but with Lola’s signature upscale ingredients. Pick your base, proteins, salsas, and extras to create a personalized feast. It’s an easy option for those who want all the taco flavors in a handy package, or for kids who like to pick their own fillings.

  • Margaritas, Beer & More: What’s a taco bar without great drinks? Lola’s bar program keeps it simple yet high-quality, think classic margaritas made with fresh-squeezed lime juice and good tequila, served at an everyday-affordable price. “We’ll also make an affordable margarita,” McRill promises. You can also expect a rotating selection of local craft beers, refreshing agua frescas or other non-alcoholic options, and maybe even a creative cocktail special or two. The focus is on fresh ingredients and value, so you can enjoy a round of drinks without feeling the sticker shock.

All these offerings point to a balance Lola’s Taco Bar is striving for: authentic, exciting flavors delivered in a casual, family-friendly format. You might drop in for a quick $3 taco snack, or settle in on the patio with a full spread of tacos and margaritas, either way, Lola’s wants you to feel you’re getting something special for your money. As McRill puts it, it’s about “wowing people” with quality, while keeping the experience accessible to everyone.

A Dream Team of Local and National Talent

Behind the scenes, Lola’s Taco Bar is a collaboration of four industry veterans, each with an impressive resume and a strong local connection. Together, they form a sort of culinary “dream team” bringing big-city expertise back to Metro Detroit. Here’s a look at the key players driving this venture:

  • Branden McRill – The Visionary Restaurateur: McRill is the co-founder and creative force behind Lola’s. A Grosse Pointe native turned Michelin-starred restaurateur, he made his mark as an owner of New York’s Rebelle (which earned a Michelin star) and by working with legends like Grant Achatz at Alinea and Jean-Georges Vongerichten in NYC. After years of success on the East Coast and in Philadelphia, McRill felt the pull of home and is now channeling his fine-dining know-how into a friendly neighborhood taco bar. He’s the idea guy with a passion for hospitality, the one ensuring that fun and quality go hand in hand at Lola’s.

  • Brandon Zarb – The Culinary Maestro: Heading up the kitchen is Chef Brandon Zarb, a Detroit-area chef with serious taco credentials. Zarb helped launch the influential Big Star taco bar in Chicago and later made a name at local favorites like Imperial in Ferndale (another popular taco & tequila spot). He’s worked in both high-end kitchens (Detroit Athletic Club) and casual joints, giving him the perfect background to craft Lola’s menu. Zarb is focused on bold, fresh flavors, he calls the street taco “the perfect culinary canvas” and is determined to “redefine expectations of what casual dining can be” with the food at Lola’s. In short, he’s the flavor guru making sure Lola’s tacos are top-notch.

  • Mel Fuechtmann – The Hospitality Expert: Every great restaurant needs a great people-person, and that’s where Mel Fuechtmann comes in. Fuechtmann is McRill’s long-time business partner (and life partner) and will oversee day-to-day operations at Lola’s, ensuring service runs smoothly. She cut her teeth managing front-of-house at acclaimed spots in New York and Philly – in fact, she was the general manager at Rebelle in NYC, so she knows how to deliver polished service. But as a Midwesterner at heart, Fuechtmann is equally focused on making Lola’s welcoming and family-friendly. “We want Lola’s to be your go-to spot, for a quick lunch, a relaxing dinner, a date night, or post-game celebration,” she says, emphasizing that genuinely warm service will be a hallmark.

  • Niko Moschouris – The Scaling Strategist: Rounding out the partnership is Niko Moschouris, a 25-year veteran of the restaurant business who specializes in growth and operations. Moschouris isn’t a chef, he’s the franchise and finance guy with a golden touch for expanding brands. He spent decades owning Subway franchise locations and today sits on the board of local chains Detroit Wing Co. and Beyond Juicery + Eatery. In other words, Niko knows how to take a concept and grow it sustainably. At Lola’s, he’ll handle operations and look for opportunities to scale the taco bar concept across Metro Detroit (and maybe beyond). His goal, as he puts it, is to make Lola’s “the ideal hybrid of quick-service efficiency with intentional hospitality,” setting a new benchmark for casual dining in the area.

It’s rare to see a neighborhood restaurant staffed by such a high-powered quartet of talent. Collectively, the Lola’s team has worked at Michelin-starred temples and beloved local dives, launched restaurants from New York City to Chicago, and run both fine dining rooms and fast-food franchises. That blend of experiences is exactly what makes Lola’s Taco Bar so intriguing. Each partner brings something unique to the table, and Grosse Pointe is the lucky community where it’s all coming together.

As one of Metro Detroit’s newest openings, Lola’s fits right in with the local restaurant boom detailed in Perna Team’s July 2025 Detroit Dining Update

   

Fast-Casual, Elevated: Hospitality at the Core

While Lola’s Taco Bar will have the quick convenience of a fast-casual eatery, the team is adamant that it won’t feel like an average fast-food chain. Hospitality is a core focus, and they’re striving to create an atmosphere where guests feel cared for, not just served.

One way they’re doing this is through their service model. Customers will place orders at the counter, but that’s just the beginning. Once you sit down with your number (or takeout buzzer), Lola’s staff will be attentive and available; they’ll swing by to ask if you need extra napkins, another drink, or maybe suggest a dessert. If you decide you want to add on an extra taco or try a different margarita, you can do so right from your table with a friendly staff member (no need to hop back in line or fiddle with a self-service kiosk). This approach is somewhat novel in the fast-casual space, where many spots either leave you entirely on your own or rely on apps for additional orders. Lola’s is aiming to deliver that sit-down restaurant attentiveness within a fast-casual framework.

Affordability and accessibility are also key. McRill has emphasized that Lola’s will be a place everyone can enjoy, from families on a budget to young professionals out for a casual bite. Prices are intended to be reasonable, “a price point accessible to everyone,” as partner Niko Moschouris puts it – without sacrificing quality. The idea of “fun dining” instead of fine dining really shines through here: you get the fun atmosphere, flavors and service akin to a more upscale venue, but you can show up in your Tigers cap and jeans, with the kids in tow, and not worry about the bill.

This balance of quality, service, and value is something the team is confident will set Lola’s apart. It also positions Lola’s well for the future. With Moschouris’s expertise, the group has openly stated plans to open multiple Lola’s locations down the line. They believe they’ve hit on a formula that can succeed in other Metro Detroit neighborhoods too, blending quick-service efficiency with a human touch, without feeling like a cookie-cutter franchise. But first, of course, they’re laser-focused on making the Grosse Pointe Woods location a beloved success. “Our guests will feel the difference,” McRill said of Lola’s approach to fast-casual dining, “and our partners are already thinking about how to bring this to more communities in the future.” In short, if Lola’s Taco Bar proves popular, don’t be surprised if you start seeing more of them pop up around the Detroit area in the coming years.

Giving Back to the Neighborhood

Beyond just serving food, Lola’s Taco Bar is making community support part of its mission from day one. McRill and his partners understand that in a tight-knit area like Grosse Pointe, being a good neighbor is as important as crafting a good taco. That’s why they’ve developed what they call the “Good Taco” initiative.

Here’s how it works: each month (or every few weeks), one special taco on the menu will be designated as the “Good Taco.” A portion of the proceeds from every Good Taco sold will be donated directly to local charities, schools, youth sports teams, and neighborhood organizations. Over time, different community groups will benefit, one month it might help fund new equipment for a school sports team, another month it could support a local food pantry or a Grosse Pointe community event. The Lola’s team will rotate which cause they’re highlighting, giving regulars a chance to “eat for good” as they try new taco creations.

“We’re not just opening a restaurant. We want to be deeply ingrained in the local scene, partnering with neighbors and enriching the neighborhood we call home,” says Mel Fuechtmann, highlighting the restaurant’s community-first mindset. This sentiment is echoed by the entire team. For McRill, who grew up here, supporting the community isn’t an afterthought, it’s the whole point of returning home to open a business. Whether it’s sponsoring the local Little League, donating to Grosse Pointe South High events, or simply providing a new hangout for friends and families, Lola’s aims to build relationships that go beyond transactions. The Good Taco program is a clever (and tasty) way to start that tradition of giving back right from the grand opening.

Local residents have responded positively to this idea. In a community that values its schools, parks, and local charities, knowing that grabbing a taco dinner can also mean giving back is a win-win. It makes Lola’s Taco Bar not just a place to eat, but a partner in the neighborhood’s well-being, and that builds a lot of goodwill (and likely loyal customers).

What Lola’s Means for Grosse Pointe Woods

It’s not every day that a Michelin-starred talent chooses Grosse Pointe Woods as the site of a new restaurant concept, and the move is generating plenty of buzz. For the city and its roughly 16,000 residents, Lola’s Taco Bar represents more than just a new dining option; it’s a sign of the area’s ongoing vitality and appeal.

Grosse Pointe Woods is known for its tree-lined streets, family-friendly atmosphere, and a touch of old-school charm. Many local businesses have been neighborhood staples for years. The arrival of Lola’s, with its modern concept and star-studded team, shows that the Pointes can attract fresh, trend-setting ventures while still holding onto that community feel. It’s a blend of tradition and new energy that bodes well for the city’s future. Longtime residents might remember the days when the Mack Avenue location was a Boston Market, a convenient spot for a quick rotisserie chicken dinner. Now, seeing that corner light up again as a lively taco bar is an exciting evolution. It’s the kind of improvement that adds to property values and quality of life in subtle ways: a vacant building gets new life, residents have a cool new spot to gather, and out-of-towners might even venture in, putting Grosse Pointe Woods on the Metro Detroit foodie map.

There’s also a sense of pride and hometown nostalgia in McRill’s return. Stories of Detroit-area natives coming back with talents honed elsewhere are becoming more common, and each one contributes to the region’s renaissance. In this case, a kid who once parked cars and washed dishes at a local club is now a seasoned restaurateur bringing his expertise back to the neighborhood. That narrative resonates with Michiganders. It sends a message that our communities are worth investing in, and that you can come home again and make an impact. Don’t be surprised if you hear neighbors chatting about “the new taco place” at the grocery store or see families driving by to peek at Lola’s “Coming Soon” sign. The local anticipation is real.

From a real estate perspective, thriving new businesses like Lola’s also signal confidence in the area. Top local real estate experts note that a robust dining scene and walkable amenities can enhance a community’s desirability. When homebuyers see trendy cafés, restaurants, and shops opening nearby, it often increases the appeal of moving there. Lola’s Taco Bar, in that sense, is not only satisfying cravings but also contributing to the vibrant neighborhood atmosphere that makes Grosse Pointe Woods a great place to live. It joins other recent additions and beloved mainstays in creating a balanced mix of old and new.

Anticipation and Next Steps

So, what can locals and curious Detroiters expect in the coming weeks? Lola’s Taco Bar is slated to open right after Labor Day, aiming for an early September debut. The final touches are being put on the space by Tury Design, the firm crafting Lola’s interiors to be inviting and stylish (word is to expect a fun, contemporary vibe that matches the food). The restaurant will have seating for about 50 guests inside and a patio with 24 seats for those who prefer their tacos al fresco. You can bet that once the doors open, there will be a line of eager eaters, some drawn by the big names behind the project, others simply chasing the aroma of fresh tortillas and grilled meat.

If you’re as excited as we are, here are a few tips: Mark your calendar for the opening (keep an eye on Lola’s social media or website for the exact date announcement), and plan a visit early on. Bring the family or a group of friends, Lola’s is designed to be welcoming for kids, teens, and adults alike, so it could quickly become your next Taco Tuesday tradition or Friday-night hangout. Try a variety of tacos on your first visit to get a sense of the menu’s range (and don’t skip that rotisserie chicken special if it’s available!). And consider ordering the “Good Taco” choice to support local causes while you treat your taste buds.

Finally, in the spirit of community that Lola’s embodies, consider making a day of your visit to Grosse Pointe Woods. Stroll down Mack Avenue, check out other nearby shops, or take a short drive to Lake St. Clair for a post-taco sunset view. Part of what makes this area special is how these local businesses and attractions string together to create a full experience of hometown charm and hospitality.

If you’re always on the lookout for family‑friendly patios in Metro Detroit, read this Perna Team post on kid‑friendly patios for family meals

  


Lola’s Taco Bar is more than just a new restaurant; it’s a homecoming, a celebration of local talent, and a sign of growth for Grosse Pointe Woods. As the doors open and the first tacos are served, one thing is certain: this Michelin-starred chef’s venture will quickly become a beloved part of the community fabric. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or someone considering making Grosse Pointe your home, Lola’s is a delicious reminder of why our Metro Detroit neighborhoods are so unique and full of life.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this local story, stop by Lola’s Taco Bar when it opens and taste for yourself what happens when big-city culinary muscle meets small-town heart. And if you’re curious about other exciting developments in the area, or even exploring the idea of finding your own home in a community as vibrant as this, reach out to your trusted Grosse Pointe real estate experts. They’re not just professionals; they’re your neighbors, ready to share insights on everything from the hottest new eatery to the nicest streets to live on. In the meantime, get ready to enjoy some amazing tacos, see you on Mack Avenue!


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