San Diego-based restaurant chain Mike’s Red Tacos is preparing for a major Florida expansion, announcing plans to open 36 restaurants across the state, including locations throughout the Tampa Bay and Orlando markets.

The fast-growing Mexican restaurant concept has signed a 36-unit development agreement with Built Different Brands, a multi-brand restaurant franchise operator led by CEO Kal Gullapalli.

The first Florida restaurant is expected to open in 2027, with additional locations planned over the following several years.

The announcement represents another significant restaurant expansion initiative in Florida, where population growth and continued retail development are attracting national and emerging restaurant brands.

Mike’s Red Tacos Targets Tampa, Orlando and Florida’s East Coast

The company’s expansion agreement will focus on three major Florida regions:

• Tampa Bay: The greater Tampa metropolitan area and surrounding communities.
• Orlando: Central Florida’s expanding residential and commercial markets.
• Florida’s East Coast: Additional markets along the state’s Atlantic coastline.

Specific restaurant addresses, lease agreements and individual opening dates have not yet been announced.

Built Different Brands will oversee the development of the 36 locations, leveraging its experience operating more than 80 restaurants across several established brands.

Its existing restaurant portfolio includes Dave’s Hot Chicken, Marco’s Pizza and PopUp Bagels.

The company’s experience with multi-unit restaurant operations is expected to support Mike’s Red Tacos as it enters the competitive Florida market.

From San Diego Food Truck to National Restaurant Expansion

Mike’s Red Tacos was founded in San Diego in 2021, initially operating as a food truck specializing in birria tacos.

The brand opened its first brick-and-mortar restaurant in August 2022 and quickly attracted attention for its signature menu and social media presence.

The restaurant is best known for its beef birria tacos, featuring slow-cooked meat served in crispy tortillas with cheese, cilantro and onions.

Customers can also enjoy the tacos with consommé, a flavorful broth traditionally served for dipping.

The concept gained national recognition after being included on Yelp’s Top 100 U.S. Restaurants list in 2023.

In 2026, Mike’s Red Tacos was also recognized as a Hot Concept by Nation’s Restaurant News.

The brand has since accelerated its franchise development strategy, securing commitments for more than 350 restaurant locations nationwide.

Experienced Franchise Operator Leading Florida Growth

The Florida expansion will be led by Kal Gullapalli, CEO of Built Different Brands.

The company has developed experience operating multiple restaurant concepts, including emerging fast-casual brands and established national chains.

According to the expansion announcement, Built Different Brands has already established operational infrastructure to support restaurant development, site selection and real estate considerations throughout Florida.

The agreement positions Mike’s Red Tacos to enter several of the state’s largest restaurant markets while benefiting from an experienced franchise development team.

What the Expansion Means for Florida Commercial Real Estate

The planned addition of 36 restaurants could create new leasing and development opportunities throughout Florida’s retail real estate market.

As Mike’s Red Tacos begins evaluating potential locations, commercial real estate owners and developers may see interest in properties suitable for fast-casual restaurant operations.

Potential opportunities could include existing restaurant spaces, inline shopping center locations, end-cap units and freestanding retail buildings, depending on the brand’s eventual site requirements.

Key considerations for restaurant site selection typically include strong population density, traffic counts, visibility, convenient access and proximity to complementary retailers.

The Tampa Bay and Orlando markets continue experiencing restaurant development activity, supported by residential construction, population growth and expanding commercial corridors.

For commercial real estate investors, the agreement demonstrates continued demand from restaurant operators looking to establish a presence in Florida.

However, the 36-unit agreement represents planned development rather than 36 confirmed leases or approved construction projects.

Looking Ahead

Mike’s Red Tacos expects to introduce its first Florida restaurant in 2027, beginning a multi-year expansion across Tampa, Orlando and the state’s East Coast.

With more than 350 locations committed nationwide, the brand is positioning itself for significant growth beyond its original San Diego market.

As the company advances its Florida development strategy, additional announcements regarding restaurant locations, construction timelines and grand openings are expected.

For more updates on Florida restaurant expansion, retail development and commercial real estate opportunities, visit ExtendedReach USA.