R.W. Although Tijuana Flats built up its presence across Florida and the Southeast to over 120 locations as of 2023, the company hadnt aggressively franchised. No media company understands the franchise landscape deeper than Franchise Update Media. Oct 2020 - Present2 years 3 months. He graduated from the University of Central Florida. The mural was not only the second painting created for the company, but it was also the first full-wall mural. Let Restaurant Dive's free newsletter keep you informed, straight from your inbox. They serve drinks while you wait in line. Brian Wheeler has been associated with twenty-eight companies, according to public records. We look beyond the surface to tap into each persons potential, helping our people achieve great performance, advancement and financial growth. Guests have their choice of tortilla with flour and wheat as well as hard corn with tacos. In 2021 the company announced that it would be bringing back its franchising program, which was previously suspended in 2007. This web page does not constitute a franchise offering or an offer to sell a franchise. Tijuana Flats restaurants are fast-casual hybrids with fresh food, hot sauce bars, art murals and off-beat culture. You should not act When Christina came on board in November 2022 he shifted the pace of the companys franchising strategy. call with "BATUM-SHAKA-LAKA!". mandatory credit counseling requirement. brian@brian-wheeler.com or using my Search our database of over 100 million company and executive profiles. Initial emails should not contain any confidential information or information or privilege is formed by visiting this site or by sending unsolicited email. At our Hot Bar, youre the boss of the sauce. 503-936-5026 or send me an email with any questions or One freestanding restaurant in Panama City, Florida, is testing a mobile pickup window, Christina said. So Brian decided to open his own restaurant despite - more. At first, it was just harmless fun. Unheard of anywhere else. Actually, a bunch of bars. In late 2015 the company was sold to AUA Private Equity firm. Newer restaurants featured wall graffiti, purple & red paint, and darker lights. We always treat every individual equally and with great respect, striving to listen, lead by example, openly communicate and treat others as we want to be treated. He was struck by the locations friendly service, hot sauce bar and the brands commitment to the community through its Just in Queso Foundation, which has raised over $5 million to help people and employees experiencing hardship. change will help many people with their fresh start after bankruptcy in sports broadcasting history, including Vin Scully of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chick Hearn of the Los Angeles Lakers. While I strive to keep the information current, you should not presume that all information is up to date since laws change In 2020 the company announced the "High-Tech Prototype" design. Again I want to say thank you from the bottom Very few locations remain with this design. Wheeler didnt have any restaurant experience but brought in experts. We constantly innovate and seek new ways to meet and exceed the wants and needs of our guests, team members and partners. In addition, he is a "Sports Broadcasting" course instructor[5] for the online sports career training school[6] Sports Management Worldwide in Portland. With an "anything goes" approach to food, hot sauce and life in general Tijuana Flats has been providing over-the-top service and fresh, made-to-order Tex-Mex to guests for over 20 years. We are not engaged in, supporting, or endorsing any specific franchise, business opportunity, company or individual. Half of these locations will be in Florida, Christina said, and the other half will be in the Southeast with a focus on Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and South Carolina. [1] Wheeler was placed in the difficult position of replacing broadcaster Bill Schonely, the team's radio play-by-play announcer since its inaugural season in 197071a situation which he later likened to entering a "hornets' nest". We always embrace our neighbors and quickly lend our support in times of need. Wheeler went on to work in a series of broadcasting jobs in Chicago, including time working for Northwestern University, the Chicago White Sox, and SportsChannel. bankruptcy may be able to help you by scheduling a free office or telephone In 2021 the company began remodeling its locations to match the new "High-Tech Prototype" store design. And the 20 grand he loaned his son probably turned out to be a good investment. The location in Cary, North Carolina, was updated in 2016 to reflect the "amped up" look. We truly care about our people and are quick to lend a hand during tough times, both personally and professionally. Brian Wheeler said he is leaving the company he founded to work on. frequently. 1. the bankruptcy counseling can be done entirely online. It has over 135 locations (117 company owned & 18 franchised) throughout Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, and Indiana. They want more of it, Christina said. When I joined the brand [in November], it was just so refreshing to see what I felt in the restaurant was really by design and allows us to be who we are.. of my heart. Respectfully Mrs. H. Is bankruptcy the right choice? Brands like Chipotle, McDonalds and Starbucksarewalking a tightrope charge enough to protect the bottom line without alienating customers. After the third location was opened, a semi-retired restaurant executive, Camp Fitch, was invited to Tijuana Flats by his golf partner. I can Today, the fast-casual Tex-Mex chain has 70 locations in Florida, Indiana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia. *These fees are reduced for new franchisees who sign up in 2023 as part of the companys franchise incentive program. All rights reserved. The employee data is based on information from people who have self-reported their past or current employments at Tijuana Flats. Our Hot Bars loaded with an assortment of tangy, smoky, sweet, and spicy sauces. My wife and I are now in great financial stability. After a 13-year pause. Wheeler has seen the failures. In 1998, Wheeler came to Portland, Oregon to take a job as radio play-by-play announcer for the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers. Today, the restaurant support and training center is located at the Tijuana Flats HQ in Maitland, FL[9] In 2007, Tijuana Flats shifted from a franchise model to corporate-owned stores. years after law school. P.O. He was doing it on emotion and excitement and energy, Fitch says of Wheeler. Burrito, taco, and wing meal kits are also available. This page was last edited on 4 February 2023, at 20:32. Nation's Restaurant News, 37(50), 28. The data presented on this page does not represent the view of Tijuana Flats and its employees or that of Zippia. Today we do $1.4 million in that one store., Tijuana Flats a straight-up success story, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), The new OrlandoSentinel.com: FAQs and more, Hundreds gather at Lake Eola to protest immigration bill, Palm Beach Atlantic University professor who was fired after parent alleged he was indoctrinating students files federal complaint, Florida lawmakers agree to $116 billion budget in final week, Photos: Best and worst looks from the 2023 Met Gala, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. All of those things made me a fan, and I [was a customer at]Tijuana Flats in every way possible, whether it was third-party delivery [or] catering in restaurants, Christina said. refunds. There are also the options to make the entres Powerlite with low-fat cheese and sour cream; smothered with queso or chipotle sauce; megajuana with double meat and cheese; and a meal with rice, beans, and drink. Whether youre celebrating a birthday, graduation, holiday or any other festive occasion, get your guests excited for your next get together with catering from Tijuana Flats. Let me explain how By providing your email address you are opting-in to receive emails from our company and you may ask to stop receiving emails from us at any time. Aug. 4, 2015. You can do that at one restaurant, but what happens when you have two or three and cant be there?. We encourage prospective franchise buyers to perform extensive due diligence when considering a franchise opportunity. Brian's dad, Chester Wheeler, soon followed suit, leaving a 30-year career at a Fortune 500 company to become CFO of Tijuana Flats. Customers order at the front counter and are served after taking a seat. I urge every person who is considering bankruptcy to seek the Valid on orders scheduled Friday, November 26th - Monday, November 29th. The company is also known for having a "wall of fame" in each location. Theyve both seen so much and done so much, he says. [1] Tijuana Flats restaurants are fast-casual hybrids with fresh food, hot sauce bars, art murals and off-beat culture. Europe, Menlo Park, China), Where the person is located (e.g. Not bad for someone whose only culinary experience was working as a UPS driver making occasional deliveries to restaurants. good results. Support. Howd Tijuana Flats become Tijuana Flats? Wheeler says hes learning as much from his father as he did from Fitch. His father, Chester, left his position an executive position at Lockheed Martin to become CFO at Tijuana Flats. Visit TijuanaFlats.comor call (844) 4TFLATS to start your order. Interested franchisees generally have 10 to 15 stores with another brand but have reached the limits of their territories and want to find ways to grow their portfolios. Wheeler . telephone to schedule a free consultation. Where would you like to work? Let me explain how It is not intended to and does not constitute bankruptcy assistance services or specific We came to you with only days before we lost our home (because others View our privacy policy. We give back internally too through team member scholarships, a team member assistance fund and other in-house initiatives. Up until 2016, every restaurant featured a wall covered with photos and autographs of celebrities who have visited the establishment. Tijuana Flats November 13 at 8:41 AM Book your Black Friday catering early, and receive Flats Cash & Free. Mothers Day. D&B Business Directory consultation. Brian Wheeler is 57 years old today because Brian's birthday is on . To support new franchisees, the companys development team, which includes construction and real estate, works with the potential franchisee to find ideal sites, and uses SiteZeus database to help determine those locations. Tweet Brian Wheeler is the founder and CEO of Tijuana Flats, a chain of Mexican restaurants mainly in Florida. We had a culture that he really wanted to be part of his escape from corporate America. (If joining the restaurant as its president and CEO to build it into a successful franchise can be seen as an escape from corporate America.). His father, Chester, left his position an executive position at Lockheed Martin to become CFO at Tijuana Flats. You do not need to have a low cost How to reach: Tijuana Flats Burrito Co., (407) 339-2222 or www.tijuanaflats.com. That works to a point. Fitch came in and implemented financial and training systems. The restaurant was founded in Winter Park, Florida, in 1995 by University of Central Florida graduate Brian Wheeler with US$20,000 in loans. Wheeler, 38, may be as surprised as anyone that his little burrito and taco shop, modeled on Burrito Brothers in Gainesville, has grown to a chain of 64 restaurants with locations in Indiana, Virginia, the Carolinas and Pennsylvania. In 2022 Tijuana Flats #2 in Hunt Club, Florida, was remodeled. Inspired by Burrito Brothers in Gainesville, he opened the first Tijuana Flats in 1995 in Winter Park. contact form The remodel involved removing the 2nd ever Tijuana Flats wall mural, which was painted by artist Christopher Galipeau in the mid 90's. Since then, Tijuana Flats has grown to 123 restaurants in four very lucky states! [6] When the fourth location opened, the founder's dad, Chester Wheeler, was reimbursed for his $20,000 loan used to start the company and joined as the CFO. Tijuana Flats has about 20 franchised restaurants, mainly outside of Florida. After a 13-year pause, the brand restarted its franchise program in 2020. We want to make sure that we set up that first one because we want franchisees to grow restaurants aggressively.. [2] It was modeled after Burrito Brothers, a Mexican restaurant in Gainesville, Florida[3] and funded with $20,000[4] in borrowed money from Wheeler's family. Most years, Wheeler hosted a Super Bowl party that. When you earn 30 points you can choose to redeem a Free Drink, or save to 60 points and redeem a Free Starter, or go for the stretch and reach 100 points to redeem a Free Entre. Americas +1 212 318 2000. The applicable laws may have changed after the information on this All previous stores are being remodeled to match this design. Tijuana Flats was started in Winter Park, Florida. Manager, Product Definition Engineering. Bankruptcy is not always the right choice and, if it not the right choice for you, we can explore other options such as credit counseling, negotiation and debt settlement. information will be needed to get a case filed. He borrowed $20,000 from his parents and sold a car for the rest. Last edited on 13 December 2022, at 20:26, "Backyard Dreams Fulfilled: Brian Wheeler Honed his Voice for Years before Landing in Portland as the Voice of the Blazers", Brian Wheeler biography at Trail Blazers.com, "Extensive Interview with Portland Trail Blazers Radio Voice Brian Wheeler,", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Brian_Wheeler&oldid=1127270414, This page was last edited on 13 December 2022, at 20:26. Keep up with the story. legal and ethical option for people that need help. Today, the fast-casual Tex-Mex chain has 70 locations in Florida, Indiana, North Carolina . Fathers Day. After doing extensive research, I am glad we found Brian. you want to keep secret. Although Tijuana Flats built up its presence across Florida and the Southeast to over 120 locations as of 2023, the company hadnt aggressively franchised. This character was featured in many of his murals. The chain has gone through quite a few different design changes over the years. But he found the process pretty tricky. After messing around in his own kitchen, he enlisted the help of a man in Edgewater to come up with a recipe and produce a batch of hot sauce. The mural sparked outcry by Tijuana Flats fans on Facebook, as it looked too tame and childish. Wheeler is best known for his frenetic style, loud and passionate delivery, and trademark calls such as "BOOM-SHAKA-LAKA!" In '99, Brian's success caught the eye of restaurant industry hotshot Camp Fitch, who left retirement to become partner & chairman of Tijuana Flats. Back in 1995, this college kid, Brian Wheeler, walked into a bar. Development plans:Tijuana Flats plans to open 50 restaurants within the next three years. Jacksonville resident Camp Fitch was in town playing golf with a friend. So Brian decided to open his own restaurant despite having never worked in one before (brilliant, right?). The first Tijuana Flats Wheeler figured he needed $30,000 to fund. The original legacy design lasted from 1995 until 2005. As a college student, Wheeler loved Tex-Mex and wanted to create a bar atmosphere where people could hang out, Christina said. Brian Wheeler, commonly known by the nickname "Wheels", is a radio announcer and host best known for his work as the play-by-play radio announcer for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association from 1998 to 2019. Like most college kids, our founder, Brian Wheeler, liked going to bars and restaurants. Creating opportunities is how we grow. Sign-up and we will contact you when Tijuana Flats franchise opportunities become available on Franchising.com. Must be 13 years or older to join/participate. CARE HARD. you will learn enough to feel comfortable contacting me via email or All Rights Reserved. advice of a competent attorney. Brian's dad, Chester Wheeler, soon followed suit, leaving a 30-year career at a Fortune 500 company to become CFO of Tijuana Flats. Personalize your job search. The remodel included a new mural, featuring lizards playing in a park. [10] That same year Tijuana Flats created its non-profit arm, the Just in Queso Foundation. Find someone to show you the ropes. Is your restaurant starting to franchise? 2023 Tijuana Flats. Copyright 2001 - 2023. We believe the first half of the year is going to be about growing awareness of the offer and the brand, Christina said. After the final play of each Trail Blazer win, Wheeler concludes by saying, "And once again we can say: It's a great day to be a Blazer! Actually, a bunch of bars. Sections 341, 342, 527(a) and 527(b) of the Bankruptcy Code legal advice on a specific matter. Funny story, really. Suggested edit might read:Half of these location will be in Florida, Christina said, and the other half will be throughout the Southeast with a focus in Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee.Or similar. The company also has interest in opening in Tennessee. Tijuana Flats is widely known for the unique appearance of their restaurants. On July 12, 2019 the Trail Blazers president and CEO issued the following statement, "Brian Wheeler has been an integral part of the broadcast team and Trail Blazers family since 1998 and his voice is synonymous with all the many great play-by-play calls over that 21-year span," said Trail Blazers president and CEO Chris McGowan. The company had 18 locations before expanding out-of-state in 2004. on any of the information contained in this website without first conferring with an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction. Our core values can answer that. Wheeler became the sole radio broadcaster in 2016, with occasional appearances from former Blazer Brian Grant.[3]. bankruptcy may be able to help you by scheduling a free office or telephone About a decade ago, Tijuana Flats CEO Joe Christina entered one of the companys restaurants in Florida for the first time. 11. "[1], Wheeler's radio partner in the role of analyst was former Trail Blazer player Antonio Harvey, up through the conclusion of the 2015 season. With an anything goes approach to food, hot sauce and life in general Tijuana Flats has been providing over-the-top service and fresh, made-to-order Tex-Mex to guests for over 20 years. because it will allow them to exempt more of their property, including tax The team will start looking at actual sites with franchisees and when the site is determined, corporate will help with architecture plans and what a franchisee needs to reach opening. [2], Wheeler attended Loyola University in Chicago, where he earned a degree in Broadcasting and Communications. But don't expect to find a Cajunified version of Tijuana Flats. Design elements included celebrity photos scattered across the walls, shelves filled with hot sauces, colorful string lights, and 3D "Hot Bar" signs. initial consultation will usually last about one hour and during that anyone who needs a good attorney. Learn about how were giving donations and our time back to the people and programs in our community that benefit children and our military. Digital menu boards, local "lizard" murals, blue and yellow walls. calling. Please feel free to give me a call at 503-284-0994, text message me at The information contained on this website does not and should not be construed as legal advice. We respect your privacy and will never rent or sell your information. This marked the first location to feature 3 different murals over the years. The location previously featured the legacy look and later the "mature" store design. following energetic Trail Blazer dunks and hard to sink shots. His father, Chester, left his position an executive position at Lockheed Martin to become CFO at Tijuana Flats. We have fun working in our restaurants knowing that our guests can feel the high energy. Throwback to Brian's college days, where opening his first Tijuana Flats was only a dream. This has been such an incredible journey, says Brian Wheeler. A second restaurant with a cajun menu was opened in 2011 called Tibby's New Orleans Kitchen. The data on this page is also based on data sources collected from public and open data sources on the Internet and other locations, as well as proprietary data we licensed from other companies. Today, the companys Longwood commissary produces more than 200 cases a month of 300 various sauces. The following notice is required by federal bankruptcy law: I am a debt relief agency, I help people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code. I am very grateful and will recommend you to Christopher painted 8 murals for the company before he died of cancer in 2008. While we have made attempts to ensure that the information displayed are correct, Zippia is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of this information. But who are we at our core and what do we believe? Wheeler says that when he opened the first restaurant on University Boulevard I wanted to add a little spice to it, so I came up with the hot bar.. CEO Joe Christina has shifted the chains focus from single-unit operators to multi-unit franchisees as it plots 50 openings in 3 years across the Southeast. These franchises receive 50% off franchise fees and royalty fees starting at 1%, which will increase 1% each year until it reaches 5%. He graduated from the University of Central Florida. He was struck by the locations friendly service, hot sauce bar and the brands commitment to the community through its. The process was very smooth and painless. They charge $16 for single or married applicants and Unlock even more features with Crunchbase Pro Start Your Free Trial Brian Wheeler was just trying to replicate a favorite University of Florida eatery when he opened the first Tijuana Flats in 1995. How'd Tijuana Flats become Tijuana Flats? But over time, the good times got the best of him and just going out no longer cut it. Good food played a key role throughout Wheeler's adult life. , FL Previous Managing Member for Tijuana Flats #171 LLC. consultation. Subscribe to the Restaurant Dive free daily newsletter, Subscribe to Restaurant Dive for top news, trends & analysis, The free newsletter covering the top industry headlines, Frischs Big Boy Expands its Benefits Package With New DailyPay Partnership, Zero-Cost Media with In-Brand and In-Game Advertising Enhances Mobivity's Connected Rewards Ma, Leading Fast-Casual Chain WaBa Grill Chooses Interface to Transform Its Network and Voice Infr, Cartwheel and Zuppler Join Forces to Power Ordering and Delivery for Restaurant Delivery Servi, By signing up to receive our newsletter, you agree to our, About a decade ago, Tijuana Flats CEO Joe Christina entered one of the companys restaurants in Florida for the first time. Restaurants tend to be 2,200 to 2,500 square feet and most are in-line sites within strip centers around heavily family-oriented communities. I offer a free initial bankruptcy consultation by In 1999, restaurant expert Camp Fitch joined the brand to become partner and chairman while Wheelers dad, Chester Wheeler, left his 30-year career with a Fortune 500 company to become CFO. Locations include Baymeadows, Ortega Village, Metrowest. Add a hint of heat, a touch of sweet or douse your dish with a Fortunately for Tex-Mex fans, Brians dad loaned him the money to open the first Tijuana Flats in Winter Park, Florida. Tijuana Flats Tex-Mex restaurant's parent company, Tijuana Flats Holdings, has announced a strategic partnership with AUA Private Equity Partners. because it will allow them to exempt more of their property, including tax said they could help and left us our to dry)and you were able to help us file The newest Tijuana Flats is scheduled to open in Orlandos College Park in the spring and the company is planning to open seven more restaurants in Florida and North Carolina by the end of this year. Weve got initial interest from a few multi-unit franchisees, which is really our desire.. Brian Wheeler is the Founder and CEO of Tijuana Flats. Customers order at the front counter and are served after taking a seat. Back in 1995, this college kid, Brian Wheeler, walked into a bar. All new stores feature this design. At first, it was just harmless fun. Dessert! The larger sites, at around 2,500 square feet, allow for more parking and easier pickup. Discover the best taco and Tex-Mex nearby for on-the-go greatness or quick-n-easy delivery. There is no recent news or activity for this profile. We consistently provide high-quality guest and team member experiences and never compromise on our standards. All restaurants built after 2016 no longer feature the iconic wall. Luckily, his parents werent. Clarification: This article was updated with additional details about Tijuana Flats Southeast expansion plans. To prepare for aggressive franchising, Christina made sure that the companys development and operations teams were aligned to best support operators, from the time they sign an agreement through site selection, construction and opening. The company also has interest in opening in Tennessee. [1], Wheeler later worked as a broadcaster for the WNBA team the Sacramento Monarchs, also hosting pre-game and post-game shows for the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association.[2]. Important-New exemption laws in Oregon - In July, 2013 the Oregon Legislature enacted a law My initial consultations are (2001). to arrange a free office or telephone consultation. It can also do During the 2018/19 season, Wheeler missed broadcasting the majority of the Trail Blazers games due to health issues. Thats when my partner came into my life, says Wheeler. Since then, Tijuana Flats has grown to 123 restaurants in four very lucky states. In September 2010, Wheeler announced that he would step down from the Wheels at Work radio show to spend more time working on the Blazers broadcast side of his life. These franchises receive 50% off franchise fees and royalty fees starting at 1%, which will increase 1% each year until it reaches 5%. [1], Wheeler grew up in Southern California, where he was exposed at an early age to some of the most revered voices[according to whom?] I am licensed only in Oregon and offer my services only in Oregon. require that an assisted person be given certain required disclosures and notices. Tijuana Flats Rewards Loyalty Program. Today, the fast-casual. We are proud to serve our communities and worthy causes through both our restaurants and the Just in Queso Foundation. you do not know much about me. Now, Tijuana Flats is focused on expanding the brand with several multi-unit operators over the next three years. My first year we did $260,000 dollars in sales, says Wheeler. We believe in ongoing training, regular feedback and a Judging from our eclectic "non-chain" vibe, it may seem like we don't have a care in the world. Although Tijuana Flats built up its presence across Florida and the Southeast to over 120 locations as of 2023, the company hadn't aggressively franchised. You will receive a Free Tijuana Trio . Problem was, like most college kids, Brian was broke. Integrity guides us in how we run our restaurants, how we conduct ourselves as professionals and how we treat all of our business relationships. The first mural was painted in 1995 by artist Christopher Galipeau at the original location in Winter Park, Florida. Eat Tijuana Flats and earn Rewards! Wheeler figured he needed $30,000 to fund his first restaurant. If Give the gift thats easier to wrap than a tacoa Tijuana Flats gift card. Zippia gives an in-depth look into the details of Tijuana Flats, including salaries, political affiliations, employee data, and more, in order to inform job seekers about Tijuana Flats. In 1999, Fitch invested in the company and was appointed its CEO to expand the company. ", "Ring it up!" Locations. I 503-936-5026, Filing bankruptcy is a founded the restaurant brand in 1995. Wheeler hosted a daily radio talk show on KXTG-FM 95.5 The Game called Wheels at Work(originally "Wheels After Work"). It also brought in a consultant to help attract new franchisees. help you through the process with understanding, compassion and skill. change will help many people with their fresh start after bankruptcy Wheeler, Brian C Wheeler and Bryan Wheeler, and perhaps a couple of other names. All items except for the flat outrageous items come with their choice of toppings of lettuce, tomatoes, onions, sour cream, and jalapeos as well as fillings including classic shredded and blackened chicken, beef, steak, shrimp, refried and black beans. The private equity firm said its main goal was to help further the expansion of the Tijuana brand. Box 20547San Jose, CA 95160PH. Verified contact information for Brian Wheeler - Founder & Co-Owner, Tijuana Flats Burrito Company including email address, phone number and personality insights that will make your sales and marketing efforts much more effective. No attorney-client relationship Tijuana Flats Tex-Mex is a privately-held American restaurant chain serving Tex-Mex cuisine. It was great all the way up until closing time, he says, because I never realized all the hard work that goes into closing a restaurant at night. He says that when the last customer had left and hed finished counting the cash, It hit me: Ive got to clean this kitchen now..
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