Operations

Chili Shack snags 1st franchisee

Chili Shack founder Abraham Olivas, left, and franchisee Deanna Solano. Photo: Chili Shack

January 21, 2026

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Chili Shack, a Denver-based restaurant chain known for its Mexican-American fare and green chili, has signed its first franchise agreement to develop three locations in southwest Denver.

The brand's inaugural franchise partner is Deanna Solano, a southwest Denver native and longtime customer of the chain's Lakewood location. Solano also owns Colorado's Helping Hand, a non-medical home care company she has operated for eight years.

While leases have not yet been finalized, Solano is scouting locations in Littleton, Englewood, Lakewood and Columbine Valley. She expects to open the first of her three restaurants by the end of 2026.

"I'm incredibly excited and honored to become Chili Shack's very first franchisee," Solano said in a press release. "Partnering with a homegrown brand that has such a strong connection to the community makes this opportunity even more meaningful."

Founded in 2020, Chili Shack has gained a following for a menu that includes customizable burritos, grilled tacos, Southwest-inspired burgers and loaded fries. The brand's signature green chili remains the centerpiece of the menu, which also features bulk "take home" items available by the pint, quart or gallon.

"Welcoming Deanna to the Chili Shack family is an exciting and incredibly meaningful step for us," Founder Abraham Olivas said in the release. "Her passion for serving others, combined with her firsthand love for the Chili Shack brand, makes her an ideal partner."

Chili Shack operates six corporate-owned restaurants in the Denver metro area and downtown Las Vegas. The company aims to open as many as 100 franchise locations nationwide over the next several years, targeting markets in Colorado, Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada and New Mexico.

The total investment to open a 2,400-square-foot Chili Shack ranges from $254,500 to $574,600, which includes a $65,000 franchise fee. Each location typically employs about 10 people and seats 25 to 40 guests.

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