A local Mexican-inspired chain could be expanding.
Anna’s Taqueria is eyeing the currently vacant space at 457-469A West Broadway in South Boston, according to a recent report from Caught in Southie.
At a January 29 abutters meeting, some residents welcomed the idea of an Anna’s in the neighborhood, praising its tacos, burritos, quesadillas, bowls, and other Mexican fusion fare. Others, however, raised concerns about traffic congestion and competition with small businesses.
“I really like Anna’s. I would love to see you here,” said Southie local Jim. “But my apprehension is if we have more and more restaurants like yours, like Taco Bell, and even to some extent, like Capo and Lincoln that have a lot of delivery traffic as well, is that we’re just going to have a whole line of delivery driver pickups.”
Tina Thomas, representing an unnamed neighborhood restaurant, echoed concerns. “We’ve been in business for over 30 years here in South Boston, and just over the past five years, there’s been so many restaurants coming into Southie, and I feel like it’s kind of pushing out some of the single small business restaurants,” she said.
Anna’s was founded on Brookline’s Beacon St in 1995. The chain currently operates eight outposts across Greater Boston, as well as a Northeastern University location slated to open soon.
The South Boston proposal is headed to the Cityside Neighborhood Association before a Zoning Board of Appeals review. If approved, Anna’s must secure a Common Victualler License to operate, with planned hours from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
