LYNWOOD, Wash. – High Bluff Capital Partners (HPCP), a private investment firm, acquired the Taco Del Mar fast-casual Mexican food concept from Franchise Brands. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“We see tremendous opportunity to continue to build out our platform in the mid-market restaurant franchise segment, which has many regionally strong concepts with significant growth potential,” said Gerry Lopez, operating partner at High Bluff Capital. “Our approach is grounded in identifying brands that enjoy strong relationships with consumers that can benefit from the type of targeted capital, scale, management expertise and focus on innovation we bring to bear.”

Taco Del Mar, now based in Lynwood, Washington, was established in Seattle in 1992. Since then, the chain has grown to more than 100 restaurants in the United States and Canada. Like Quiznos, Taco Del Mar is franchise owned.

“With a popular Baja lifestyle positioning and well-established heritage in the Pacific Northwest, Taco Del Mar has an excellent foundation to build upon as we look to leverage our platform to enhance support to the franchise base, develop and introduce fresh concepts that resonate with today’s consumers and broaden the brand’s appeal,” Lopez said.

In June, HBCP acquired QCE, parent company of the Quiznos sandwich chain.