The future looks green for Mike’s Red Tacos.

The San Diego-based taco restaurant currently has only two locations, but it has caught the attention of the restaurant investors who made Dave’s Hot Chicken a scorching success.

This week, the restaurant announced that it has secured franchise development agreements for more than 200 new locations around the country. Mike’s Red Tacos was founded as a food truck in 2021 by Mike Touma, followed by a brick-and-mortar location in 2022.

The brand is gaining a fast-growing following on social media—and now it’s primed for nationwide expansion.

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Fast casual with a taco twist

Mike’s Red Tacos specializes in birria—a traditional, slow-cooked Mexican stew dish that’s typically made from beef, lamb, or goat—which has exploded in popularity in recent years, largely due to social media trends.

It can now be found, in various forms, on menus at numerous Mexican chains, including Taco Bell, Del Taco, and others. 

Mike’s Red Tacos is receiving support from early-stage investors and advisors Bill Phelps and Andrew Feghali.

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