Local Taco.

Local Taco will open restaurants this fall in Huntsville and Mountain Brook. (Facebook)

A new-to-Alabama taco joint will make its Huntsville debut before expanding to the Mountain Brook suburb of Birmingham in late 2016.

Local Taco, which was founded in Nashville, is closer than ever to launching its first Alabama restaurant at The Shops at Merchants Walk, a Whole Foods-anchored development at Bob Wallace Avenue and Memorial Parkway in Huntsville.

Sam Haskell, a partner at the Huntsville store, said Local Taco stands out from the competition because of its unique flavor profiles and focus on local ingredients.

"If you look at our menu and you compare it to what else is out there, we're different in a handful of ways," he said.

The company, acquired by Halo Restaurants in 2015, has locations in Tennessee, Kentucky and South Carolina. The eatery specializes in tacos, enchiladas, fresh-squeezed margaritas, gluten-free food, vegetarian and lighter options, salads and roasted street corn.

Halo recently hired Arizona native David Story as its new culinary director. The longtime restaurant professional worked for 10 years at Fresh Hospitality, where he was a key contributor with concepts Little Donkey and Biscuit Love.

CEO Craig Perry said Local Taco delivers fresh, from-scratch cuisine in an effort to be thoughtful about the ingredients that define the food. He said they also rely on local vendors to create their dishes.

"It's really important we become a part of the community fabric," Perry said. "We want people to feel like they're eating as close to their own community as possible, but getting food that's executed at a really high level consistently."

The Huntsville menu has not been posted on Local Taco's website, but residents can see menus in other cities here.

Local Taco is actively hiring in Huntsville and seeking partnerships with area sports teams and other organizations. A private tasting party will be held next week at the facility before the eatery launches to the public.

After the Huntsville store opens, another Local Taco will debut on 920 Lane Parke Court across from the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook. An official opening date has not been announced.

Perry said they have "a lot of interest in being involved in Alabama."

"We're definitely looking at other cities inside of Alabama," he said. "We will certainly look to add locations in Alabama in a way that's judicious and doesn't pollute the brand."