

Only around 20 locations were franchised, and the brand hadn’t opened any new franchise restaurants since around 2007. While the company’s corporate store openings have been ongoing, its franchise sales had been put on ice. This menu-focused approach and elevated service model combined to help Tijuana Flats hit 125 locations, primarily in the chain’s home state of Florida.

After ordering, customers find a seat and table runners bring them food, drinks and refills. Guests order at a POS counter from a broad menu that includes tacos, burritos, chimichangas, nachos, wings and more. Tijuana Flats operates on what Wright calls a “fast casual-plus” model. That was one issue facing Brian Wright in the Summer of 2019 when he became CEO of Tijuana Flats. That goes for restaurant design as much as for anything else. What’s fun and edgy today feels dated tomorrow. Images courtesy of Tijuana FlatsThis Tex-Mex chain is keeping its irreverent feel with a redesign aimed at franchising. This Indiana location’s mural shows tacos growing from corn stalks. A localized mural is a key design element in each store.
