ANNA'S TAQUERIA

'Anna's Taqueria' is a chain of Fresh Mex restaurants in the Boston area.

Contents

Overview

History

Competition

Labor Law Violations

Sources

Overview

It is modeled after U.S. West Coast style Mexican cuisine, specifically the San Francisco burrito. Its menu offers only four core items: burritos, tacos, quesadillas and Mexican plates. The food is made in an assembly line-style process. It is known for its comparatively low prices. [1]
Anna's has locations in Brookline (on both Harvard and Beacon streets), Cambridge (in Porter Square and at MIT), and Somerville (in Davis Square). A sixth location near Mass General Hospital in Boston's Beacon Hill district is said to be in the works, and the chain's owner has publicly stated his interest in Kenmore Square.
The name "Anna's" comes from no girl in particular, but was chosen because it is easy to remember, sounds motherly, and would promise prime placement in alphabetical restaurant guides.

History

The first Anna's Taqueria was founded by Michael Kamio and located in Brookline's Coolidge Corner in 1995. Over the next several years, a second Brookline restaurant was opened and more at locations in Porter and Davis Squares. In February 2005, Anna's opened its fifth location at MIT's Stratton Student Center.
Kamio's sister, Mariko Kamio, owns the competing Boca Grande chain.

Competition

Anna's competes with other Boston-area taquerias such as Boca Grande, Felipes, Picante, and El Pelon, as well as national chains such as Qdoba Mexican Grill.

Labor Law Violations

In March 2004, a Labor Department Wage and Hour Division investigation revealed that Anna's Taqueria failed to pay overtime wages to employees between January 2001 and January 2003. As a result of the investigation, the restaurants agreed to pay 127 employees a total of $206,918 to settle alleged violations of the overtime provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Kamio also agreed to comply with all requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act in the future.

Sources

★ ''Beacon Hill Times'' report on Mass General-area Anna's

★ ''MIT Tech'' interview with Michael Kamio

★ A spice of sibling rivalry

★ Labor law violation press release

★ Boston Magazine: The Burrito War