Maryland-based Mexican chain Big Papi’s Tacos is set to make its Virginia debut in Fairfax County, possibly by the end of the year.
The restaurant, known for its diverse menu featuring carne asada tacos and quesabirria pizza, currently operates two locations in Frederick and Hagerstown, Maryland.
Last month, the company submitted an application to the county for interior alterations at 6224J North Kings Highway. The restaurant will be located on the ground floor of South Alex, the residential and retail complex in the Penn Daw neighborhood.
Carla Moran, who oversees all Big Papi’s locations, told FFXnow that while the owners plan to expand further in Maryland, including potentially to Montgomery County and Germantown, this will be their only Virginia location.
The team also owns the milkshake shop Sweethaus Treats in Frederick, Maryland.
Moran says the restaurant is still several months away from starting construction, but if all goes well, they hope to open by the end of 2024.
“The goal is that, or the beginning of next year,” she said.
Anchored by Aldi, South Alex opened to residents in August 2022 after a massive fire in 2020 prolonged construction. The development includes 400 apartment units, 41 townhomes and approximately 45,000 square feet of retail space.
According to a site plan, Big Papi’s will occupy an end suite with an outdoor patio in a row where it will join KPot, a Korean barbecue and hot pot restaurant, and Inspire Nail Bar and Spa. The development is also reportedly getting Virginia’s first PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans location.
