Food images by Gerard + Belevender

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI — Hot off the grill! Foodie news for 2026 continues to excite with more new restaurant announcements and openings, with the latter featuring a Metro Detroit native launching a new neighborhood taco joint in his hometown.

Lola’s Taco Bar opens this Monday in Grosse Pointe Woods in the former Boston Market along southbound Mack Avenue at Norwood Drive. The fast-casual restaurant will feature chef-driven tacos, scratch-made salsas, seasoned fries, rotisserie chicken, vegan options, bowls, burritos, and draft/frozen margaritas.

FULL SECTION: MI Foodie Adventures Taco Series

The new taco endeavor is being led by Michelin-starred restaurateur and Grosse Pointe Woods native Branden McRill, Chef Brandon Zarb (known for Ferndale’s Imperial), Mel Fuechtmann, and Niko Moschouris. The team shares a unified belief that great food should be accessible, community-centered, and leave patrons feeling joyful.

The team is putting an emphasis on quality and approachability. McRill, whose New York restaurant Rebelle earned a Michelin star in 2015, says the goal of Lola’s Taco Bar is to provide an experience that makes people want to keep coming back again and again.

“We want to wow and amaze people with food that’s thoughtful, vibrant, and accessible all at once,” McRill said. “Great tacos, affordable margaritas, warm hospitality — that’s what makes a neighborhood restaurant work.”

Chef Zarb designed a menu centered around tacos, bowls, and burritos with highlights including Al pastor and steak shaved fresh from vertical trompo, rotisserie chicken available in tacos or as affordable family-style meals, vegan and vegetarian options, and margs made with fresh lime and premium tequila. Lola’s Taco Bar will also have beer options and zero-proof cocktails.

“The taco is the perfect vehicle for delivering big flavors to a wide audience,” said Zarb. “We’re being careful about respecting traditions while applying some culinary techniques to the freshest products available. We want you to find a taco that satisfies everyone at the table at Lola’s, whether you’re a taco purist, an adventurous eater, or even someone looking for some great vegan or healthy options.”

Lola’s Taco Bar also has what it calls the “Good Taco” initiative, with proceeds from rotating tacos going to support local schools, sports teams, and nonprofits. In fact, the first benefactor will be Rising Stars Academy, the educational nonprofit started by Mark and Debbie Prentiss that provides life skills and workplace opportunities for young adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

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Not only will the RSA Foundation receive financial support, but Rising Stars staff will work alongside the Lola’s Taco Bar team. Chef Zarb previously worked at Rising Stars Academy, with Fuechtmann describing the partnership as a real way to give back and show up for the community in a tangible way.

As someone who has interviewed and worked with Rising Stars Academy several times, both for this food blog and my main job as a journalist, it warms my heart to see new opportunities continue to emerge for this wonderful foundation. Mark, Debbie, and the RSA team are just wonderful people, as is their mission at the school.

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While I was already extremely eager to attend the grand opening of Lola’s Taco Bar on Monday, I’m even more motivated now knowing that some funds will go to supporting great local organizations like Rising Stars Academy! The team assembled behind McRill is a culinary powerhouse, with Chef Zarb bringing his years of expertise from Imperial and Big Star in Chicago to craft a fun menu that offers a diverse range of options for all to enjoy. Stay tuned to my social media pages for my Monday adventure to the grand opening in Grosse Pointe Woods!

For more information about Lola’s Taco Bar, click here.