Beretta Restaurant Group Plots Mexican Eatery and More

Deborah Blum, chef Ruggero Gadaldi and Adriano Paganini -- the powerhouse behind neighborhood heavyweights Beretta, Starbelly and Delarosa -- have silently been working on something new for public consumption. And it's not another pizza showstopper. "We love what we're doing now," says Blum. "But we're a little pizza-ed out. There's no shortage of it in town. We want to give the city something it really needs." According to partner Paganini he's been honing a Mexican concept for the past three years. "It's definitely in the works," he says. The plan of attack is to hinge on a "very good tequila bar" with great, simple Mexican food. "But not as simple as just tacos," he adds "and we want it to be a fun place to go out at night, not just a lunch spot."

Considering the popularity of the team's existing spots and the relatively small gaggle of potential competitors: Nopalito, Tacolicious, Mamacita (maybe we'll throw in Velvet Cantina for fun); odds of success are high.

Also in the works: a second location of busy Castro burger joint Super Duper. ETAs and exact locations on all of the above are still up in the ether. So stay tuned, as they say. [EaterWire]

· All Previous Adriano Paganini Coverage [~ ESF~]
· All Previous Beretta Coverage [~ ESF~]

From left: Ruggero Gadaldi, Deborah Blum and Adriano Paganini.