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Mike's Red Tacos Expands Nationwide with 200 Franchises

2/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Mike's Red Tacos has launched nationwide franchising with plans for over 200 locations, and the first franchise locations are expected to open later this year.
Investors Bill Phelps and Andrew Feghali, who scaled Dave's Hot Chicken, back expansion.
The chain started in 2021 as a food truck.
Birria now appears on about 4% of U.S. menus and draws attention from chains like Taco Bell and El Pollo Loco.

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Story summary

Mike's Red Tacos has launched nationwide franchising with plans for over 200 locations, and the first franchise locations are expected to open later this year.
Investors Bill Phelps and Andrew Feghali, who scaled Dave's Hot Chicken, back expansion.
The chain started in 2021 as a food truck.
Birria now appears on about 4% of U.S. menus and draws attention from chains like Taco Bell and El Pollo Loco.