Tijuana Flats Announces Ownership Change
19 Abril 2024 - 1:28PM
Business Wire
New ownership group acquires iconic Tex-Mex
brand with plans to reorganize and refresh customer experience
Central Florida-based Tijuana Flats (TF) announced today that a
new ownership group has acquired the brand with a plan of
revitalizing its restaurants and reinvigorating the customer
experience. The change marks a new chapter for the organization
which was founded nearly 30 years ago. The new ownership group,
Flatheads, LLC, listed the immense brand recognition, strong
following and customer loyalty, plus future potential of the brand
as some of the key reasons it was excited about its new investment
in the restaurant chain. Prior to the change of ownership this
month, Tijuana Flats had been owned by TJF USA, LLC.
Joe Christina, Chief Executive Officer of Tijuana Flats, said,
“Our company is excited by the new ownership group’s plan to
reinvest, focus, and emphasize the things that originally brought
so many people to love Tijuana Flats. We understand the immediate
financial actions taken by them to ensure the long-term health of
this great and iconic brand.”
In conjunction with the announcement of new ownership, Tijuana
Flats said today that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
protection and has closed 11 restaurants this week. Its executives
said the sale and subsequent filing are the culmination of a
strategic review that started in November of 2023 when the company
began exploring various options which had included a potential
sale. Furthermore, the decision to close restaurants, though
difficult, was a result of a unit-by-unit analysis of financial
performance, occupancy costs, and market conditions. Tijuana Flats
will continue to provide full support to its franchisees and its
remaining locations will continue to operate as usual. Flatheads,
LLC said they recognized the critical juncture at which Tijuana
Flats stood, therefore felt immediate action was needed to preserve
the organization. They stated it was not only their desire to see
this great brand and its legacy continue, but also to go back to
basics and original roots by building on customer service, quality
food, and fair prices so that the organization can thrive and reach
new heights.
Joe Christina, who joined the brand in November of 2022, will
remain as CEO of the company. He is a 40-year restaurant pro who
brings extensive and proven industry experience to the table,
having grown notable global brands. “Since joining the brand, I
have been committed to leading with a vision to serve every guest
the most flavorful Tex-Mex food and provide the best guest
experience in the country,” said Christina.
The new ownership group said it was encouraged by the changes
Christina has already put in place since his arrival and is looking
forward to working with him and his leadership team to strengthen
the brand. As one example, Tijuana Flats rolled out a new menu
effective April 1st together with new packaging for take-out and
delivery designed to enhance the product and improve delivery times
to its customers. Flatheads has said its aim is to renew the
restaurant's focus on quality controls, speed of service,
consistency of food, serving size, and improving the in-store
experience. As part of that goal, it plans to make renovations to
many of its locations to give them a refresh and make dining at its
restaurants a great choice for its customers.
Christina added, “Our new partners share a desire to continue
the corporate culture and vision of Tijuana Flats, protecting and
supporting our team members and franchisees so they can best serve
their customers. With this new ownership structure, and a robust
strategic plan, we are well-positioned for an emergence in the fast
casual space. I look forward to evolving and expanding our brand
and supporting the communities we serve.”
About Tijuana Flats
Tijuana Flats is a fast-casual Tex-Mex restaurant founded in
1995 in Winter Park, Florida. It currently has 65 company-owned
locations throughout Florida, along with 26 franchised restaurants
located in Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, and Tennessee. For
more information, visit https://www.tijuanaflats.com/ .
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Kim Miller 305-631-2283 kim.miller@tijuanaflats.com