Bajio Mexican Grill

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Bajio Mexican Grill is a chain of restaurants that are in Utah and a few other states. According to their web site, they have about 40 stores.

The first Bajio restaurant was opended by Dave Tuomisto in Provo, Utah in the fall of 2002. Situated in the Riverwoods shopping center the location had been a Qudoba which failed to charm the locals and went out of business. Dave Tuomisto was dedicated to bringing a unique look, feel and flavor into his quick casual restaurant concept. The recipes feature the lighter, sweeter marinades & sauces from the region in central Mexico which is the restaurants namesake. Made fresh from scratch using limes, oranges, mangos and typical spices Bajio provides a taste that is very different from traditional Mexican and tex-mex flavors. The decor features talavera, signature "farros"(large Mexican lanterns made from metal with intricate designs) and lots of live plants. Dave and his wife Sarah were fixtures in the shop and built a strong team of "Amigos" who provided a level of personal service that was superior to the competition. Milo, Arturo, Eliel, Paco and a host of others knew all the regulars and how to assemble their preferred entrees. The level of flavorful food personalized for each guest and personalized service to go along with it, made Bajio a remarkable value and a great place to dine. Friends and family became part of the Bajio growth as Dave's buddy from a picture framing company Mike Jacklin opened a Bajio in St George Utah in 2003 and his father Dennis opened a third Bajio in Pleasant Grove Utah early in 2004. Jason Stowe who was involved in a Burger restaurant before spotting Bajio, opened the fourth store in the chain in Centerville Utah early in 2004 as well.[1]

The chain continued to grow and was purchased by Subway in 2005 and is currently under the direction of Hunter management group located in American Fork, Utah.

Similar competitors include Mesa Fresh Mexican Grill, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Baja Happy's, Moe's Southwest Grill, Qdoba, Baja Fresh, Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill and Bumble Bee's Baja Grill.