Wheeler says hes learning as much from his father as he did from Fitch. We encourage prospective franchise buyers to perform extensive due diligence when considering a franchise opportunity. you live in another state, please call your local bar association to find Inspired by Burrito Brothers in Gainesville, he opened the first Tijuana Flats in 1995 in Winter Park. [1], Brian Wheeler began his radio career as a broadcaster for his alma mater, Loyola University Chicago, where he called play-by-play for soccer, women's softball, and basketball for station WLUW-FM.[2]. We constantly innovate and seek new ways to meet and exceed the wants and needs of our guests, team members and partners. Tijuana Flats Tex-Mex is a privately-held American restaurant chain serving Tex-Mex cuisine. There was more to running a restaurant than Wheeler anticipated. information will be needed to get a case filed. He graduated from the University of Central Florida. Biography Early years. But don't expect to find a Cajunified version of Tijuana Flats. or privilege is formed by visiting this site or by sending unsolicited email. By Terry Helms | August 18, 2009. When the fourth restaurant opened, Wheelers father, Chester, who had retired from his job at Lockheed Martin, joined his sons company as chief financial officer. So Brian decided to open his own restaurant despite having never worked in one before (brilliant, right?). legal and ethical option for people that need help. Let me explain how Brian Wheeler is the Founder and CEO of Tijuana Flats. Although Tijuana Flats built up its presence across Florida and the Southeast to over 120 locations as of 2023, the company hadnt aggressively franchised. Much more. Up until 2016, every restaurant featured a wall covered with photos and autographs of celebrities who have visited the establishment. I hope that after browsing through this website (2003). Clarification: This article was updated with additional details about Tijuana Flats Southeast expansion plans. Two of the companies are still active while the remaining twenty-six are now listed as inactive. Wheeler . in sports broadcasting history, including Vin Scully of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chick Hearn of the Los Angeles Lakers. [1], Wheeler later worked as a broadcaster for the WNBA team the Sacramento Monarchs, also hosting pre-game and post-game shows for the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association.[2]. require that an assisted person be given certain required disclosures and notices. By providing your email address you are opting-in to receive emails from our company and you may ask to stop receiving emails from us at any time. Fortunately for Tex-Mex fans, Brians dad loaned him the money to open the first Tijuana Flats in Winter Park, Florida. consultation directly with me. advice of a competent attorney. Interested franchisees generally have 10 to 15 stores with another brand but have reached the limits of their territories and want to find ways to grow their portfolios. this done before you schedule a consultationwith me, but it does need to burdensome debts and get bills under control. These franchises receive 50% off franchise fees and royalty fees starting at 1%, which will increase 1% each year until it reaches 5%. These franchises receive 50% off franchise fees and royalty fees starting at 1%, which will increase 1% each year until it reaches 5%. Brian Wheeler is the founder and CEO of Tijuana Flats, a chain of Mexican restaurants mainly in Florida. Tijuana Flats was started in Winter Park, Florida. [1] Wheeler was placed in the difficult position of replacing broadcaster Bill Schonely, the team's radio play-by-play announcer since its inaugural season in 197071a situation which he later likened to entering a "hornets' nest". Give the gift thats easier to wrap than a tacoa Tijuana Flats gift card. I many other things like the following: You can start the process toward solving your financial problems What did Wheelers father get for his $20,000 loan? Aug. 4, 2015. The main feature of each location is its hand-painted wall mural. Today, the restaurant support and training center is located at the Tijuana Flats HQ in Maitland, FL[9] In 2007, Tijuana Flats shifted from a franchise model to corporate-owned stores. The first mural was painted in 1995 by artist Christopher Galipeau at the original location in Winter Park, Florida. Tijuana Flats plans to open 50 restaurants within the next three years. Like most college kids, our founder, Brian Wheeler, liked going to bars and restaurants. Brian's ethnicity is Caucasian, whose political affiliation is currently a registered Republican; and . Last month, Tijuana Flats created incentives for franchisees that sign up for at least three stores by Dec. 1. change will help many people with their fresh start after bankruptcy The mural was not only the second painting created for the company, but it was also the first full-wall mural. Restaurants tend to be 2,200 to 2,500 square feet and most are in-line sites within strip centers around heavily family-oriented communities. Brian Wheeler Principal Consultant at Water Advisor LL Kissimmee, Florida, United States 327 followers 323 connections Join to view profile Water Advisor LLC Virginia Tech About Experienced. mandatory credit counseling requirement. This [2] It was modeled after Burrito Brothers, a Mexican restaurant in Gainesville, Florida[3] and funded with $20,000[4] in borrowed money from Wheeler's family. Not bad for someone whose only culinary experience was working as a UPS driver making occasional deliveries to restaurants. bankruptcy may be able to help you by scheduling a free office or telephone 'oouW3 'iJe!2'd5Yg . All rights reserved. They serve drinks while you wait in line. Development plans:Tijuana Flats plans to open 50 restaurants within the next three years. Holidays. Today, the fast-casual Tex-Mex chain has 70 locations in Florida, Indiana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Now you can order your favorites online! After doing extensive research, I am glad we found Brian. Brian Wright was named CEO of the company in 2019. . We always treat every individual equally and with great respect, striving to listen, lead by example, openly communicate and treat others as we want to be treated. The company had 18 locations before expanding out-of-state in 2004. always free* and there is no pressure to sign up.. This page is not available in other languages. 1. Today, the companys Longwood commissary produces more than 200 cases a month of 300 various sauces. How to reach: Tijuana Flats Burrito Co., (407) 339-2222 or www.tijuanaflats.com. Brian Wheeler opened the first Tijuana Flats in Winter Park, Fla., with a $20,000 loan from his father. But over time, the good times got the best of him and just going out no longer cut it. We consistently provide high-quality guest and team member experiences and never compromise on our standards. Chipotle and Qdoba were thriving on the West Coast.. Tweet Brian Wheeler is the founder and CEO of Tijuana Flats, a chain of Mexican restaurants mainly in Florida. Unheard of anywhere else. Menu specials, simplified operations heat up Tijuana Flats brand. But over time, the good times got the best of him and just going out no longer cut it. At our Hot Bar, youre the boss of the sauce. Greenville, South Carolina, United States. In 2021 the company announced that it would be bringing back its franchising program, which was previously suspended in 2007. Asia Pacific +65 6212 1000. No media company understands the franchise landscape deeper than Franchise Update Media. and rebuilding the credit rating you deserve by calling me Fitch saw the potential as well as a need for his help. Americas +1 212 318 2000. The resulting mixture of shrill "homerism" and forthright honesty soon found its niche with fans. Design elements included celebrity photos scattered across the walls, shelves filled with hot sauces, colorful string lights, and 3D "Hot Bar" signs. Visit TijuanaFlats.comor call (844) 4TFLATS to start your order. refunds. Verified contact information for Brian Wheeler - Founder & Co-Owner, Tijuana Flats Burrito Company including email address, phone number and personality insights that will make your sales and marketing efforts much more effective. The author of Star Wars Multiverse says these movies are reflections of ourselves, Orange County leads warnings, but no Central Florida restaurants shut down last week, SeaWorld: Pipeline coaster opens May 27 with previews starting May 12, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. allowing many Oregon residents to use the federal bankruptcy exemptions. Theyve both seen so much and done so much, he says. Brian Wheeler was just trying to replicate a favorite University of Florida eatery when he opened the first Tijuana Flats in 1995. Newer restaurants featured wall graffiti, purple & red paint, and darker lights. on any of the information contained in this website without first conferring with an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction. Even thinking about filing a bankruptcy brings up many emotions and worries, and trying to choose a Tijuana Flats restaurants are fast-casual hybrids with fresh food, hot sauce bars, art murals and off-beat culture. Problem was, like most college kids, Brian was broke. Delivery & Pickup Options - 146 reviews of Tijuana Flats "You gotta love Tijuana Flats, and this new location is right on par with the brand standards: phenomenal service, consistently quality food, and a really fun atmosphere. (And restaurants, too.) They want more of it, Christina said. I thought I had to be there all the time and muscle my way through to make things happen, he says. A franchise offering can be made by us only in a state if we are first registered, excluded, exempted or otherwise qualified to offer franchises in that state, and only if we provide you with an appropriate franchise disclosure document. Brian Wheeler, commonly known by the nickname "Wheels", is a radio announcer and host best known for his work as the play-by-play radio announcer for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association from 1998 to 2019. Tijuana Flats Rewards Loyalty Program. founded the restaurant brand in 1995. And restaurants, too. you want to keep secret. (408) 402-5681. Tijuana Flats entres include burritos, burrito bowls, chimichangas, dos tacos, flautas, fresh salads, nachos, quesadillas, and wings. An 2023 Tijuana Flats. Our core values can answer that. The company modified the mural to better fit the Tijuana Flats theme. Let me explain how Weve raised over $4,000,000 and counting, and our team members have donated countless hours to help those in need. But over time, the good times got the best of him and just going out no longer cut it. We satisfy peoples cravings for bold flavors and colorful experiences piled high with big-hearted over-the-top service. The data on this page is also based on data sources collected from public and open data sources on the Internet and other locations, as well as proprietary data we licensed from other companies. I could see that I had what he wanted, Wheeler says of Fitch. And the 20 grand he loaned his son probably turned out to be a good investment. With low overhead and food costs, Wheeler found he could open a second location. As I am sure you understand, I can only offer to provide legal advice to people that participate in a telephone or office Please feel free to give me a call at 503-284-0994, text message me at Valid on orders scheduled Friday, November 26th - Monday, November 29th. Brian Wheeler is the founder and CEO of Tijuana Flats, a chain of Mexican restaurants mainly in Florida. As a college student, Wheeler loved Tex-Mex and wanted to create a bar atmosphere where people could hang out, Christina said. We had a culture that he really wanted to be part of his escape from corporate America. (If joining the restaurant as its president and CEO to build it into a successful franchise can be seen as an escape from corporate America.). Any day, really. He wanted to be near his alma mater, UCF, but settled on a space in a strip mall farther down University Boulevard, something he now sees as a blessing he doesnt think he would have survived during the summer without the students business. Whether youre celebrating a birthday, graduation, holiday or any other festive occasion, get your guests excited for your next get together with catering from Tijuana Flats. There are also the options to make the entres Powerlite with low-fat cheese and sour cream; smothered with queso or chipotle sauce; megajuana with double meat and cheese; and a meal with rice, beans, and drink. [3], Tijuana Flats had six locations by 2001,[4] which grew to 18 locations in 2004[7] and 65 by 2009. Back in 95, this college kid, Brian Wheeler, walked into a bar. Heres what the data shows. Fathers Day. This character was featured in many of his murals. be completed before you can file a bankruptcy case with the court. "We are pleased to be partnering with the founders of Tijuana Flats to help . can also often answer questions by email. at (503) 284-0994, emailing me at Discover the best taco and Tex-Mex nearby for on-the-go greatness or quick-n-easy delivery. Suggested edit might read:Half of these location will be in Florida, Christina said, and the other half will be throughout the Southeast with a focus in Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee.Or similar. Legal Notices | Privacy Policy, Franchise Leadership & Development Conference, Franchising Express Weekly Featured Franchises, Multi-Unit Franchisee Customer Experience Report, Multi-Unit Franchisee Service Brands Edition. Although Tijuana Flats built up its presence across Florida and the Southeast to over 120 locations as of 2023, the company hadnt aggressively franchised. I am licensed to practice law in Oregon and can only represent Oregon residents. bankruptcy and keep our home. benefit you. My initial consultations are Good food played a key role throughout Wheeler's adult life. He graduated from the University of Central Florida. Roughly 10 stores feature this design, including Bloomingdale, Nocatee, and Millennia. Afterward the friend said he wanted to take Fitch to a new Mexican restaurant in town. always free* and there is no pressure to sign up.. After a 13-year pause. When I joined the brand [in November], it was just so refreshing to see what I felt in the restaurant was really by design and allows us to be who we are.. We believe the first half of the year is going to be about growing awareness of the offer and the brand, Christina said. Half of these location will be in Florida, Christina said, and the other half will be throughout the Southeast with a focus in Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee.. Tijuana Flats Burrito Company, headquartered in Maitland, FL, is a Tex-Mex chain that currently operates . The most important lesson he learned is to embrace the help and knowledge of a mentor, he said. Since then, Tijuana Flats has grown to 123 restaurants in four very lucky states! His father, Chester, left his position an executive position at Lockheed Martin to become CFO at Tijuana Flats. CARE HARD. All of those things made me a fan, and I [was a customer at]Tijuana Flats in every way possible, whether it was third-party delivery [or] catering in restaurants, Christina said. Brands like Chipotle, McDonalds and Starbucksarewalking a tightrope charge enough to protect the bottom line without alienating customers. In addition, he is a "Sports Broadcasting" course instructor[5] for the online sports career training school[6] Sports Management Worldwide in Portland. All new stores feature this design. legal and ethical option for people that need help. On July 12, 2019 the Trail Blazers president and CEO issued the following statement, "Brian Wheeler has been an integral part of the broadcast team and Trail Blazers family since 1998 and his voice is synonymous with all the many great play-by-play calls over that 21-year span," said Trail Blazers president and CEO Chris McGowan. After the final play of each Trail Blazer win, Wheeler concludes by saying, "And once again we can say: It's a great day to be a Blazer! And restaurants, too. We came to you with only days before we lost our home (because others I would like to assure you that my goal is to While Tijuana Flats is not currently accepting new applicants on Franchising.com, these other similar opportunities are actively looking for new franchisees. This marked the first location to feature 3 different murals over the years. We look beyond the surface to tap into each persons potential, helping our people achieve great performance, advancement and financial growth. Plan to wait a while on Tuesday nights as the Taco Tuesdaze deal (2 . The celebrity "wall of fame" was removed, and the murals were painted on either wood or concrete walls. The following notice is required by federal bankruptcy law: I am a debt relief agency, I help people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code. We truly care about our people and are quick to lend a hand during tough times, both personally and professionally. Search our database of over 100 million company and executive profiles. [10] That same year Tijuana Flats created its non-profit arm, the Just in Queso Foundation. It also brought in a consultant to help attract new franchisees. In 2022 Tijuana Flats #2 in Hunt Club, Florida, was remodeled. five-alarm fire. Hayes, J. Get the free daily newsletter read by industry experts. Half of these locations will be in Florida, Christina said, and the other half will be in the Southeast with a focus on Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and South Carolina. ROLL DEEP. [1] Tijuana Flats restaurants are fast-casual hybrids with fresh food, hot sauce bars, art murals and off-beat culture. We prefer efficient controls to stiff rules and we believe in the power of laughter, teamwork and genuine smiles. Howd Tijuana Flats become Tijuana Flats? At first, it was just harmless fun. bankruptcy may be able to help you by scheduling a free office or telephone Big-burrito chain Tijuana Flats spices up plans for expansion.