Former leaders behind Dave’s Hot Chicken have selected Mike’s Red Tacos as their next growth concept, securing franchising rights to scale the birria chain nationwide.

The expansion is backed by Bill Phelps, former CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken, and Andrew Feghali, the brand’s first franchisee. Both have joined Mike’s Red Tacos as early investors and advisors, bringing experience in building franchise networks and scaling emerging restaurant concepts.

More than 200 locations are already in development through agreements with multi-unit operators across key markets, including California, Texas, Illinois, Arizona, Nevada, Michigan, and the New England region.

Construction on the first franchised locations will start in the coming months, with initial openings planned by the end of this year.

Vincent Montanelli, a longtime restaurant executive and former leader at Wetzel’s Pretzels, has been appointed president to oversee the brand’s expansion.

“The strength of Mike’s Red Tacos is a combination of its authentic birria offering, strong business model, and experienced partners,” Montanelli said.

“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 expand into new markets.”

To support growth, the company is investing in a corporate-owned prototype restaurant in Pasadena, California, which will also serve as a training centre for franchisees.

Founder Mike Touma will also open an additional company-owned location in San Diego this month.

Mike’s Red Tacos was founded as a food truck by Mike Touma in June 2021 in the San Diego Bay Area. The business quickly expanded, opening its first brick-and-mortar location in 2022, followed by a second in 2024.