A transformation is underway on Beverly Road.
Taco Diablo, 297 Beverly Road, is becoming Mullett’s.
The brother-sister team of Colin and Marissa Mullett are revamping the Mexican-inspired restaurant they took over during the pandemic. Cocktails and small plates are the new vibe.
“There are a lot of bars and restaurants in the South Hills, but we’re trying to bring more of an intimate spot; a very cocktail focused bar, open later with lots of shareable plates. Come here and it’ll be a little bit of everything for everyone,” said Marissa. Draft beers and wine are also on the menu.
Renovations are underway now, with a mid-February soft opening planned, and a grand opening tentatively scheduled for the first week of March. New paint, lighting, bar shelves, glassware and flooring are in store. Gone is the mural that greeted Taco Diablo customers.
Colin, McCully Street, and Marissa are running the day-to-day operations, while their father, Jim, White Oak Circle, is President and CFO. High school friend Gabe Bevilacqua is head chef. The Mulletts are collaborating tangentially with Jeff and Carol Iovino, owners of Café io and io Deli, who happen to be former owners of Taco Diablo.
When Taco Diablo was looking to change hands in 2020, the Mulletts, who always wanted to own a restaurant, took over. “We had a concept handed to us and we took it on and then the pandemic immediately happened, literally the next day” Colin said. It became an uphill battle, with Taco Diablo never regaining pre-pandemic sales. “It was just time to pivot,” he said.
As for the establishment’s name, Colin points out “we have a running joke that you’re allowed one Mullett joke, so use it wisely!”
Marrissa added “Mullett’s is very catchy. You will not forget it. And, it brings a nice smile to people’s faces. Why not be able to put our last name on the front of the building? After inheriting the concept originally, why not make it our thing?”