FAIRFAX — A popular eatery in Downtown Manassas opened a second location on Tuesday.
Miguel Pires, the owner of Zandra’s Taqueria in Manassas, expanded his business to Fairfax.
Zandra’s has “far exceeded what I ever thought we would do when we first opened,” Miguel said.
“Business has been up every year since we’ve opened and constantly growing. Every time I think we get this new top or new peak, we surpass it.” Pires said. “Old Town [Manassas] is buzzing. It’s definitely the place to be.”
The popularity of Zandra’s and their signature taco creations led to their expansion into Fairfax. “…I feel like people just can’t get enough of taco’s.” Pires said.
Pires explained that because growth in Manassas has been so good, they felt the expansion was a good idea. Pires said Fairfax was a similar community with close-knit restaurants and restaurant owners.
Pires said before they picked the site, he ate in all the surrounding restaurants and introduced himself. The restaurants were receptive to the idea of him opening a restaurant.
The new restaurant is located on 3950 University Drive, where Asian Bistro was previously located. There will be easy access to a parking garage so free parking will be accessible all the time.
The proximity to George Mason University is also an added bonus and one of the main reasons they chose the spot. Miguel noted that whenever college is out, Zandra’s in Manassas has had an increase in business. “We definitely think that being closer to a college campus is going to help us,” Pires said.
Pires also said being close to the Fairfax County Courthouse will also be a plus.
Donald Pennyfeather is the current General Manager of Zandra’s in Manassas. Pennyfeather will now be the District Manager of both the Fairfax and Manassas restaurants. They’re currently focusing on training the employees for the new restaurant this last week before the grand opening.
Some employees will be promoted, and they will also be hiring new staff for both restaurants.
“We are feeling really excited,” Pennyfeather said.
The Zandra’s in Fairfax will be as close to possible as “identical” to the Manassas location, Pires said, with the same menu and as similar of a layout as possible.
“We feel like the Manassas location is the ideal size.” Miguel said, “We’re keeping it as simple as possible.”
The expansion comes as the taco restaurant has been a two-time winner in Virginia Living Magazine’s “Best Of Virginia” competition.
Finally, perhaps the most important question – what is Pires’s favorite taco?
Miguel said he goes through phases, but his favorite right now is the fried chicken taco. But, definitely, the “fan favorite” taco is the bison taco, Pires said.
