Born right here in Jackson and raised in Southern California, Daryl Fortner’s love for Mexican food began when he encountered the signature dishes of the San Diego taco trucks. That love deepened even further when, as a boy, he took several trips to Mexico itself. From the street vendors there, he had what he still remembers as the greatest tacos in the world. Eventually, he decided he had to bring those flavors back to his hometown. So, Daryl and his brother Barry began plans to do exactly that — but they knew they needed two things: a name and a signature sauce.

The name came from the SoCal sands where they played as boys: Tulum Beach in Chula Vista. The sauce? It garnishes every plate of their signature fish tacos. And the recipe remains a secret.

After opening in 2010, it didn’t take long for Jackson to fall in love with Tulum’s spin on fresh Mexican food. The crowds overflowed the available seating and the lines spilled out the doors. Soon, it was clear another location was needed. So, in 2018, Tulum Fresh Mexican Grill’s second restaurant opened. Today, the two shops are going strong, united by our founder’s vision, and the same kitchen manager, who manages both locations with the same careful attention to detail.