San Diego-based beef birria taco brand has its sights set on nationwide expansion via its new franchising program.
Mike’s Red Tacos said it has more than 200 locations in its development pipeline. The brand has signed multi-unit deals in markets including California, Michigan, Minnesota, New England, Nevada, Texas, Virginia, Arizona, Indiana and Illinois, with a focus on the major cities in each state. The first franchised restaurant is set to open by the end of 2026.
Mike’s Red Tacos, which was founded in 2021 as a food truck, currently operates two locations in San Diego, with a third store coming soon. A location in Pasadena, Calif., is set to open this spring. The brand is known for its slow-cooked beef (birria) served in tacos alongside the consomé dipping broth.
Leading Mike’s Red Tacos’ expansion plans is newly-named company president Vincent Montanelli, a longtime restaurant industry executive. He most recently served as the COO at Wetzel’s Pretzels, where he held various leadership roles for nearly 20 years.
Bill Phelps and Andrew Feghali are backing the concept as early-stage investors and advisors. Phelps led Dave’s Hot Chicken’s explosive growth as CEO since 2019, following his role as co-founder and longtime leader of Wetzel’s Pretzels, while Feghali’s experience includes being the first Dave’s Hot Chicken franchisee, along with operating a multi-unit franchising portfolio that includes Jersey Mike’s and Little Caesars.
“The strength of Mike’s Red Tacos is a combination of its authentic and craveable birria, a strong business model, incredible partners and positioning to capitalize on a market demand that birria is experiencing,” said Montanelli. “With a team that has a proven track record in multi-unit franchising and restaurant leadership, we are set up to scale Mike’s Red Tacos and share the birria experience with communities throughout the country.”
