By Nancy Wood
Harold Martin, Jr.Long before craft beer and microbreweries were all the rage, there was Taco Mac. The truth is, if you’ve lived in the Atlanta area for more than five minutes, you’ve probably heard of the chain’s unique atmosphere – you may even be a proud holder of a Brewniversity card.
Since 1979, when two Buffalo, N.Y., friends staked their claim at a taco stand on the corner of Virginia and North Highland avenues in Atlanta, Taco Mac has been a neighborhood ‘go-to.’ Today, the chain includes 25 locations sprinkled around the metro area with more growth in Georgia planned for the future.
The unique legacy of Taco Mac can be traced not only to the introduction of buffalo wings to the Southeast, but to the dizzying array of draft beer guests could try. As their ‘wall of drafts’ grew, the chain’s Brewniversity program took off as well. By combining a loyalty program with beer education, patrons were introduced to both craft beers and imports – and as CEO and Managing Partner Harold Martin, Jr. says, “We are truly part of the beer ecosystem in Georgia.”
A longtime patron himself, Martin and three partners, Michael Bodnar, John Michael Bodnar and Mike Tidwell, bought Taco Mac in 2018. As experienced restaurateurs, the four owners are committed to carrying on the restaurant’s heritage, even investing their own money as a testament to their belief in the brand’s Atlanta heritage.
“Our commitment is to be true to Taco Mac’s roots by serving families the best wings and craft beer in the city in a sports-focused casual dining environment,” says Martin.
Another thing that won’t change? Taco Mac’s partnership with Camp Twin Lakes, a non-profit that provides life-changing camp experiences for children with serious illnesses, disabilities and other challenges.
We are 100 percent committed to Camp Twin Lakes,” says Martin. “We raised over $60,000 for Camp Twin Lakes last year, and our goal is to raise more than $100,000 this year.” In addition, Taco Mac’s managers and leadership team spend time each year volunteering – from cleaning cabins to laying gravel for paths.
Further signs of the company’s commitment to Georgia goes beyond its support of the GRA’s efforts. They also continue to support the state’s local craft brewers and even launched its first exclusive craft beer series last October with LaGrange-based Wild Leap Brew Co. in celebration of the restaurant’s 40th anniversary this year.
