You can celebrate the new year in Gainesville by indulging in a selection of Mexican-American food at Del Taco.

Located in the North Lake Square shopping center off of Dawsonville Highway, the fast-food restaurant will hold its grand opening on Jan. 1.

Boasting an affordable menu, Del Taco serves Mexican classics like burritos and tacos, and American bites like burgers and chili cheddar fries.

John Lisenbey, the assistant general manager, said the Gainesville restaurant plans to hire 55 employees. They will begin their training Dec. 12 under Donna Calvono, who works at Del Taco’s corporate office in Lake Forest, California.

Originally housing a Pollo Tropical, renovations on the building for the new Del Taco began last October. Lisenby said the restaurant is the first out of seven Del Taco franchises that will soon pop up in Northeast Georgia.

While Bilal Siddiqi, the restaurant’s owner, is aware of surrounding taco-making competitors, he said Del Taco will hold its own by maintaining fair prices and a family-friendly environment.

“Our goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere for the employees and customers,” Siddiqi said.

Del Taco will keep its doors open from 10 a.m. to midnight, every day of the week.