Seasoned Leader Joins Amid Franchising Surge (Image Credits: Pexels)
San Diego – A fast-rising beef Birria taco chain born from a 2021 food truck has appointed Patrick Cunningham, a quick-service restaurant veteran, as its chief development officer.[1][2] The move supports the brand’s aggressive franchising push, with more than 200 locations now in development across multiple states.[1] Company president Vincent Montanelli highlighted Cunningham’s expertise as key to scaling the concept nationwide.
Seasoned Leader Joins Amid Franchising Surge
Patrick Cunningham brings over 25 years of experience in the QSR sector to Mike’s Red Tacos.[1] He most recently served as chief development officer at Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay and previously held the role of vice president of U.S. development at Little Caesars. Cunningham also spent more than 20 years with Dunkin’ and Inspire Brands, honing skills in franchise scaling and market expansion.
Montanelli praised the hire in a statement. “We’re entering an incredible new chapter with our recent franchising growth initiative, and Patrick possesses the expertise that will help bring the Mike’s Red Tacos growth vision to life,” he said. “Patrick has an impressive track record and shares our enthusiasm for the brand. We’re thrilled to have him on board and are confident he’ll prove to new communities that the dip really is worth the drip.”[1][2]
Cunningham’s Role in Fueling Birria Momentum
In his new position, Cunningham will guide market entry, strengthen franchisee partnerships, and advance growth strategies through innovation.[1] He expressed enthusiasm for the brand’s potential. “I’ve been incredibly impressed by the Mike’s Red Tacos brand and the momentum the team has built so far,” Cunningham stated. “There’s a strong foundation, backed by an experienced and forward-thinking leadership team that knows how to successfully scale a concept. Birria is bringing real excitement to the fast casual segment, and Mike’s Red Tacos delivers with its authentic and craveable menu that resonates with guests.”[1]
The appointment aligns with recent C-suite enhancements, including Montanelli’s leadership after nearly 20 years at Wetzel’s Pretzels.[2] Together, they aim to capitalize on Birria’s rising popularity among younger diners who prioritize bold flavors and shareable experiences.
From Food Truck to Fast-Casual Favorite
Mike’s Red Tacos launched in San Diego as a food truck under founder Mike Touma and quickly gained traction with its signature beef Birria tacos and consommé dip.[1] The brand earned a spot on Yelp’s Top 100 U.S. Restaurants list in 2023 and built a devoted social media following.[1] Its tagline, “the dip is worth the drip,” captures the messy, flavorful appeal that draws crowds.
The menu centers on Birria but offers variety:
- Birria Taco: Beef Birria, cheese, cilantro, onions.
- Red Quesadilla: Beef Birria, cheese, cilantro, onions.
- Cali Burrito: Beef Birria, fries, guac, rice, beans, cheese, sour cream, cilantro, onions.
- Loaded Fries and Nachos with Birria toppings.
- Veggie Taco and Bean-Rice-Cheese Burrito for non-meat options.[3]
Currently, three locations operate in San Diego neighborhoods:
| Location | Address |
|---|---|
| Point Loma | 3365 Rosecrans St #D, San Diego, CA 92110 |
| Clairemont Mesa | 4310 Genesee Ave #105-106, San Diego, CA 92117 |
| Mira Mesa | 9089 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92126 |
All spots run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, extending to midnight on weekends.[4] A corporate prototype in Pasadena opens this spring.[5]
Franchise Pipeline Targets Nationwide Reach
The company rolled out its national franchising program in February 2026, targeting operators with proven track records.[1] Requirements include owning or operating at least five QSR or fast-casual units, excluding Mexican concepts, plus strong metrics and references. Support covers training, real estate guidance, operations systems, and grand opening marketing.
Deals already secure spots in states like California, Michigan, Minnesota (15 units), Nevada, Texas, Virginia, Arizona, and Indiana.[6] Interested parties can explore opportunities at the franchising page.[7] The scalable model emphasizes pre-portioned ingredients and efficient equipment for consistent quality.
Key Takeaways
- Mike’s Red Tacos eyes 200+ franchises amid Birria trend.
- Cunningham’s 25+ years bolster development efforts.
- Three San Diego spots pave way for national prototype in Pasadena.
Mike’s Red Tacos positions itself for breakout success as Birria captivates palates nationwide, with Cunningham steering the expansion. The blend of authentic flavors, strategic hires, and franchise momentum signals a bright future. What do you think of this Birria invasion? Tell us in the comments.
