Franchising

A tale of 2 Mike’s: Jersey Mike’s franchisee adds Mike’s Red Tacos to portfolio

Photo: Mike's Red Tacos

March 5, 2026

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When it comes to franchising, Mike seems to know Mike. Michael McGuire, a Minnesota operator who runs dozens of Jersey Mike's Subs locations, has signed on to grow another Mike-branded concept — Mike's Red Tacos.

McGuire and his family business, 825 Ventures, will open 15 locations of the San Diego-born birria brand, backed by the leadership team of Dave's Hot Chicken.

McGuire, who operates over 23 Jersey Mike's Subs restaurants with several more in development, will lead the expansion alongside his sons, Kavrin and Dillon. The family's company focuses on building community-oriented restaurants while emphasizing team culture and operational consistency.

The deal marks the first franchise agreement for Mike's Red Tacos, which began as a food truck in San Diego and has grown into a buzzy fast casual concept known for its birria tacos and consommé dipping broth.

"From the moment I discovered Mike's Red Tacos, I knew it was something special," McGuire said in a company press release. "My family and I are thrilled to help introduce the brand and share its authentic birria and signature red tacos with our community."

Mike's Red Tacos was founded by Mike Touma, who launched the concept after developing recipes inspired by the surging popularity of birria on social media. The brand's tagline — "the dip is worth the drip" — reflects its signature red tacos served with a rich consommé for dipping.

After building a loyal following with its food truck, the company opened its first brick-and-mortar location in 2022 and a second in 2024. The concept has since gained traction online, particularly among millennial and Gen Z diners drawn to its bold flavors and highly shareable presentation.

"Michael and his family embody exactly what we look for in our franchisees: experienced operators with a passion for hospitality and a commitment to their communities," Vincent Montanelli, president of Mike's Red Tacos, said in a company press release.

The brand said more than 200 franchise units have already been committed nationwide as it begins expanding beyond its California base. Executives say the concept is targeting experienced multi-unit operators as it scales across major U.S. markets.

Mike's Red Tacos was named to Yelp's Top 100 U.S. Restaurants list in 2023. The company received a strategic investment in early 2025 from a group of restaurant-industry professionals to support its national growth.