Owner of El Rey Del Taco Opening a New Concept in Johns Creek

JOHNS CREEK, GA — Casa El Rey Taqueria, a new full service taqueria from the owner of El Rey Del Taco on Buford Highway, is targeting an opening in mid-January 2027 at 11305 Bell Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30097. Owner Martin Macias shared details with Business Debut in an exclusive phone interview.

What to Expect

Casa El Rey Taqueria will focus on tacos built around higher-end cuts of meat (think ribeye tacos and carne asada-style sirloin) and an elevated dining experience and a focused bar program.

Casa El Rey Taqueria is developing a tortilla program that tests different types of corn masa, including yellow corn and blue corn tortillas. Macias said he plans to serve a small list of mixed drinks, tequilas, wine and bottled beer.

They will be taking over the space that previously housed the New York Butcher Shop.

Ownership Background

Macias has worked in metro Atlanta restaurants since the 1970s.

“I’ve been here since ’74,” Macias shared with Business Debut, explaining that his older brother was an early operator of Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants in the area.

Macias said he learned the business while still in school and gradually moved into ownership with help from his brother. In the late 1990s he opened Los Reyes, which he described as the first authentic taqueria in Chamblee-Tucker.

He later launched El Rey Del Taco on Buford Highway in February 2002 and has operated it for about 25 years, Macias told Business Debut. Casa El Rey Taqueria will be his next concept in the region.

Opening Timeline

Macias said Casa El Rey Taqueria has health department approval and is now waiting on final approvals from the city.

He expects light remodeling to take about 45 days, since the kitchen is already in place.

“My idea would be probably the beginning of January, mid-January,” Macias told Business Debut.

What do you want to see on the menu? Have you eaten at El Rey Del Taco?