HAPPY HOLIDAZE! A LOOK BACK AT OUR TREMENDOUS GROWTH IN 2023
This past year we implemented strategies that have positively contributed to our growth, leading to the expansion of our brand into new markets such as Alabama and Tennessee. This is an exciting time for Tijuana Flats and our franchisees as we continue to guide our business expansion through growing our franchising system across the country.
Here’s a closer look at some of the past year’s achievements.
Still the Hottest Franchise Investment Opportunity
This past year we really turned up the heat on our growth strategy through a renewed franchising commitment that has been a flat-out success. With plans to open 50 units by 2025, we launched a franchise incentive program with half-off franchise fees and a ramped up royalty program to attract new operators. The longevity of Tijuana Flats as a leader in Tex-Mex along with our ability to offer lower build-out costs, fresher ingredients, wider menu selections, an unmatched hot sauce bar, latest technology, and an awesome guest experience are what sets us apart from the competition. Tijuana Flats is a bold, exciting growth concept with proven returns, and we’re heating up the franchising industry.
Top Down Commitment to Growth
Our CEO, Joe Christina, has a proven history of growing successful brands. Our commitment to building our brand nationwide starts at the top and is shared by every team member in our organization. In addition, each Flats location also selected a Street Team Ambassador to represent their local store out in the community to foster positive brand image and local involvement. We are dedicated to delivering sustained revenue and profit growth in dynamic and changing markets.
Ongoing System Improvements Help Franchisees Increase Revenue
Improvements were made to modernize our system processes, and they have already delivered bottom-line results for our franchisees. We launched a new prototype with reduced build-out costs and a refreshed look, incorporating the latest in technology and convenience to drive more sales per unit. We also undertook a systemwide digital transformation that included digital menu boards, kitchen display system in the back of the house, and third-party delivery partnerships and pickup area along with an order status board. We also expanded hours of operation to create greater flexibility for earlier lunchtime orders and late-night dinner orders. And, we launched our Flat-Out Happy Hour that features Tijuana Flats’ signature margaritas, starters, tacos and beers at discounted prices. These changes have assisted our franchisees with building revenue, maximizing throughput, and increasing sales.
Non-Traditional Markets Open Additional Avenues For Growth
Tijuana Flats is targeting corporate markets where we are a fit while also exploring non-traditional real estate. In addition to our University of Florida and Florida State University concession contracts, we are pursuing additional nontraditional segments to fuel future brand expansion in this lucrative vertical.
We Made All Of The Hottest Lists
Since 1995 Flats has been one of the Southeast’s most popular growth concepts, thanks to our unique business model. This commitment to excellence is what has fueled our growth and helped us make all of the hottest industry rankings. Here are a few:
- 2023 Newsweek One of America’s Best Loyalty Programs
- 2023 Newsweek One of America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains
- 2022 Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant
- 2022 Franchise Times Top 500
Doing Good Fuels Our Fire
Throughout the year we support many worthy causes through our Just In Queso Foundation. Together with the generosity of our franchisees and their customers, this year we continued to raise money to support the life-saving work of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. We also joined the Fight Against Hunger with donations made to local food banks, and we launched Cocktails for a Cause to raise money to support local organizations doing good work. Since 2007 the Just in Queso Foundation has raised over $6.4 million dollars to support the communities in which we serve. Giving back has always been a big part of who we are as people and as a brand. It always will be.
Wishing you continued good health and a happy and prosperous 2024!