Mike’s Red Tacos is a fast-casual Mexican food franchise known for its bold birria tacos and creative, crave-driven menu. The brand was founded in 2021 in San Diego, California by entrepreneur Mike Touma, starting as a neighborhood food truck in the Bay Park area.

Its slow-simmered birria and signature red-dipped tortillas quickly gained a loyal following, leading to the opening of multiple brick-and-mortar locations. The concept centers on authentic flavors paired with a modern, social-media-friendly presentation.

Mike’s Red Tacos is headquartered in Pasadena, California and operates through Mike’s Red Tacos Franchise Co, LLC. The company began franchising in 2025, responding to strong customer demand and rapid brand recognition in Southern California.

The menu focuses on birria-based items such as tacos, quesadillas, burritos, mulitas, birria ramen, and loaded fries, all built around a streamlined kitchen process. This simplicity helps franchisees manage labor and food costs while delivering a highly repeatable customer experience.

Training

Mike’s Red Tacos offers a comprehensive and multi-phase training program to prepare franchisees for successful restaurant operation. The key components of this training are:

1. Initial Training Program
   The Initial Training Program is conducted at the franchisor’s training facilities in San Diego or another designated location. It is mandatory for the Franchisee, Operating Principal, Director of Operations, and up to six additional team members for the first location. The program includes system methods, operational standards, and practical application.
2. Extra Practice Week and Online Training
   Franchisees must also complete an "Extra Practice Week" and online training, typically scheduled at least 60 days before opening. This includes hands-on training to reinforce key operational tasks. Participation is required for final approval to open the restaurant.
3. On-Site Opening Assistance
   A New Restaurant Opening (NRO) Team provides on-site assistance around the grand opening, unless the franchisee has four or more locations and certified internal trainers. This support ensures real-time coaching during the critical launch period.

Territory Protection

Mike’s Red Tacos provides franchisees with a defined territory that may include a geographic radius or specifically described area as outlined in the franchise agreement.

However, the franchise does not guarantee exclusive territorial rights. Even within an assigned territory, the franchisor retains broad rights to open company-owned restaurants, authorize others to operate Mike’s Red Tacos outlets, or sell through other channels.

In some cases, a franchisee may receive a limited Area of Protection, but this protection does not apply to non-traditional venues such as airports or malls, nor does it restrict the franchisor from operating under different brand names within the area.