Barry Maring of Northland Restaurant Group Inc. is directing his entrepreneurial energy toward developing Taco Del Mar restaurants, which specialize in Baja-inspired "mondo burritos and rippin tacos."

Taco Del Mar on Tuesday announced Maring's exclusive rights to sell franchises and develop restaurants in North Dakota, Minnesota and parts of western Wisconsin.

Maring says he plans to open 150 restaurants in the next 10 years across his territory, and is looking for franchisees and premium locations in North Dakota, including Bismarck.

"We hope to do two or three in Bismarck," Maring said on Tuesday. "We haven't located a franchisee there yet, but we definitely will include Bismarck."

He said he hopes to have something lined up in Bismarck by the end of the year, with franchisees located and construction processes started.

Maring said he will refranchise some locations, although his company will own some of the stores in the region.

"Our main goal is to develop the market," he said.

Maring is a former Subway developer and franchisee of 10 years and is currently involved in hotel and land development with his father, Russell Maring, and in his own company, Brookstone Development Inc. of Fargo. He is optimistic in his newest venture.

"Taco Del Mar has a great image and menu that we feel confident our region is going to readily embrace," Maring said. "The Mexi-fresh segment is really growing, and for new franchisees, it's got a relatively low barrier for entry ($115,000-$240,000), good return on investment, protected territory, and franchises are set up with very streamlined technology and systems - making them easy to operate."

Maring plans to have eight Taco Del Mar restaurants open by year's end. He will hold an informational franchise roadshow at 6:30 p.m. April 5 at Holiday Inn Select & Suites, Three Appletree Square (near I-494 & 34th Avenue) in Bloomington, Minn. Reservations are recommended by contacting Maring at (701) 212-8530.

Taco Del Mar serves beef, pork and chicken burritos with a choice of (four) tortillas, plus a selection of fish tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, kids' meals, salads, vegetarian and vegan selections. Store decor features vibrant surf murals, mounted sailfish, thatched umbrellas, and long board tabletops.

Beginning on the West Coast in 1992, Taco Del Mar now has more than 190 locations throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

(Reach reporter Nathan Denton at 250-8261 or at nathan.denton@;bismarcktribune.com)