Shakespeare once asked “what’s in a name?”, and in the case of one DMV-area chain, the answer is a pretty good clue as to the concept’s cuisine. However, while Fish Taco’s name does offer a relatively strong hint as to what’s in store culinarily, it’s only the tip of the restaurant’s dining iceberg, which Gaithersburg residents are poised to learn. The eatery is bringing its delicious food and celebratory atmosphere to the neighborhood next year.
Fish Taco, founded by experienced restaurateur Francis Namin and helmed by the What’s Cooking Restaurant Group, serves up delicious, straight-forward Baja California-inspired fare in a family-friendly atmosphere. The concept captures the convenience and affordability of the fast-casual model, while still serving all of its fare on real plates with real silverware.
Gaithersburg residents will be able to enjoy a meal at Fish Taco’s in its upcoming 12121 Darnestown Road storefront. Fish Taco’s Director of Strategy and Development Brant Cotter explains to What Now DC that the restaurant already has a presence in the region and a built in fan-base. “We do have another restaurant in the area on the other side so we are comfortable with the area. We know the customers, we know what they like. It made sense as the next step to put a location out there. We like to keep locations relatively close so our operations teams can go to various locations within the same day.”
Fish Taco has a well-established model that’s served the chain well across its other four locations. The Gaithersburg restaurant will feature both dining room and patio seating. Fish Taco will have around 2,200 interior square feet and seating for 40 to 45 customers. The patio will be able to accommodate another 20 guests.
Future Fish Taco regulars can look forward to enjoying their meal in a calming, beachy atmosphere. The Gaithersburg restaurant will transport diners to the shorefront through an off-white color scheme and commitment to an oceanic aesthetic.
Fish Taco promises to be a destination that will delight all demographics. Cotter states: “We’re very family friendly, family forward. We serve all our food on real plates with real silverware, real glasses when we serve margaritas and beers. We’re quick, we’re good, and people can come in, dine quickly, no fuss, no worry about the kids growing impatient.”
Gaithersburg residents can look forward to enjoying a Fish Taco meal next spring. Construction is on track to be completed by early March and the restaurant should be ready to greet and feed guests by late March or early April.
Fish Taco has had an eventful 2025; alongside kicking off work on the Gaithersburg storefront, the chain is opening a new Falls Church location, with a soft opening this weekend.
