Tijuana Flats has experienced measured growth since reinstating its franchising program earlier this year. CEO Joe Christina has shifted the chain’s focus from single-unit operators to multi-unit franchisees as it plots 50 openings in three years across the Southeast. The brand is off to a strong start, with three new locations opening in October.
To prepare for aggressive franchising, Christina made sure that the company’s development and operations teams were aligned to best support operators, from the time they sign an agreement through site selection, construction and opening. In addition, growth has been strategic, focusing on locations where customers were asking for restaurants. The brand also brought in a consultant to help attract new franchisees.
And, to really heat things up, Tijuana Flats created incentives for franchisees that sign up for at least three stores by Dec. 31. These franchisees receive 50% off franchise fees and a royalty fee schedule of 1% year 1, 3% year 2, and 5% year 3.
- Mobile, Alabama
- Palm Coast, Florida
- Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
“We are thrilled to continue expanding franchise development and introduce new communities to our brand,” says Tijuana Flats VP of Development and Franchise Operations, Jamie Cecil. “With each of our new locations offering an opening week chalked full of delicious offers, guests at each new location are going to get a delicious taste right away for the outstanding value that they will receive from Tijuana Flats for many years to come.”
With bold flavors and colorful experiences piled high with big-hearted, over-the-top service, Tijuana Flats boasts a menu consisting of fresh, made-to-order tacos, burritos, and other Tex-Mex appetizers, entrées, and desserts. The Tex-Mex-For-All brand has been named to Newsweek’s 2023 list of America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains, Franchise Times Top 400 in 2022, Newsweek’s 2021 list of America’s Best Loyalty Programs, and received the National Restaurant Association’s 2018 Restaurant Neighbor Award.
To find out more about what makes Tijuana Flats the top franchise opportunity and the leading Mexican franchise to own, download our free “Hottest Investment in Tex-Mex” e-book today.