NORTH SHELBY – Members of the North Shelby area have another dining option after the official opening of the new Taco Mama location at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 21. The restaurant located close to Alabama 119 at Cadence Place on Cahaba Valley Road.

Taco Mama founder and president Will Haver referred to Taco Mama as a fast-casual taqueria that is set apart by its high-quality food and drinks, customer service and atmosphere.

“I think that everybody in the Shelby County area is going to love it,” Haver said.

According to Haver, the Taco Mama menu offers a wide selection of food and drinks, which are always made from fresh ingredients. At the 119 location, Mexican and local beer will be available, along with seasonal margaritas made from blood oranges or watermelon.

“Everything is fresh, and people can taste the difference,” Haver said.

Haver and Taco Mama Public Relations and Marketing Director Scot Harrison said the restaurant prides itself on its exceptional service.

“We don’t just hire everybody,” Haver said. “We’ve got fabulous people working hard to provide what we do.”

“We love to take care of people. That’s our whole thing,” Harrison said.

One of the most important aspects of each Taco Mama location, Haver said, is its laid-back atmosphere. From the decorations to the playlist, Haver said almost every aspect of the environment is carefully planned out.

“Everything we do is thought out and has a purpose,” Haver said. “Everything plays together to be the best Taco Mama experience.”

Haver said Taco Mama also excels at catering different types of events.

“We love that, because we get the chance to show what we can do,” Haver said.

Haver said this is the 11th Taco Mama location, with other restaurants in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Auburn, Huntsville, Nashville and Greensboro, North Carolina.

To celebrate its opening, the 119 Taco Mama held a preview party on the evening of Thursday, May 17. Everyone was invited and those who came received free samples of the food and drinks.

Steve and Sherron Scaro, who live near Valleydale Road, said they have visited the Taco Mama location at the Summit, and are thrilled to have a new location close by.

“It’s a great casual place for a quick dinner and drink. The food is good and it has a relaxed atmosphere,” Steve Scaro said. “It’s just a good place to hang out.”

While there are other Mexican restaurants in the area, Sherron Scaro said Taco Mama offers a unique experience.

“It’s not like a Mexican restaurant where you get a huge amount,” Sherron Scaro said. “You come here because you like the atmosphere, the people and the food.”