Mike's Red Tacos Plans Nationwide Expansion to Over 200 Locations

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Mike's Red Tacos, a San Diego-based taco restaurant chain that started as a food truck in 2021, is planning to open more than 200 new locations across the United States. The company has secured development agreements with franchisees from major restaurant brands like Dave's Hot Chicken, Jersey Mike's, Blaze Pizza, Dunkin', Little Caesars, Carl's Jr., and Wetzel's Pretzels. Restaurant industry executive Vincent Montanelli is leading the expansion, with early-stage investors Bill Phelps and Andrew Feghali providing support.

Why it matters

The rapid nationwide expansion of Mike's Red Tacos demonstrates the growing demand for high-quality, fast-casual Mexican food concepts. The company's partnerships with established franchise operators in multiple states signals its potential to become a major player in the crowded taco market.

The details

Mike's Red Tacos is planning to open its first corporate-run prototype location in Pasadena, California, this spring, which will serve as a training center for the new franchise restaurants. The company's founder, Mike Touma, is also opening a third company-owned restaurant in San Diego this March. The 200-plus locations now in the brand's development pipeline come from multi-unit deals in markets such as California, Michigan, Minnesota, New England, Nevada, Texas, Virginia, Arizona, Indiana, and Illinois.

• Mike's Red Tacos was originally founded as a food truck in 2021.
• The first franchise locations are expected to open by the end of 2026.
• The company's new Pasadena, California, corporate-run location is set to open this spring.
• Founder Mike Touma is opening his third restaurant location in San Diego this March.

What’s next

The first franchise locations of Mike's Red Tacos are expected to open by the end of 2026, following the opening of the company's new corporate-run prototype location in Pasadena, California, this spring.