Mike's Red Tacos Signs 15-Unit Deal in Michigan

Mike’s Red Tacos, the celebrated San Diego-born beef Birria brand named as a Yelp Top 100 U.S. Restaurant (2023), has signed a 15-unit agreement with Michael Khalil to bring its signature drip to the Great Lakes State.

The agreement, spearheaded by experienced restaurant owner and operator Michael Khalil, is expected to bring Mike’s Red Tacos’ signature birria and famous red tacos to Michigan over the next several years, with the first location planned for Royal Oak later this year. Khalil’s background combines both franchising and restaurant finance, beginning with a career in accounting before founding his own restaurant accounting firm. He later transitioned into franchise ownership and currently owns and operates 11 Little Caesars locations and 14 Jersey Mike’s restaurants across Michigan, Indiana and California.

His extensive experience in restaurant operations, financial management and multi-unit franchising makes him a strong fit to lead Mike’s Red Tacos’ expansion into the Michigan market.

“I’ve spent my career around restaurants and franchising, and I’ve always believed that the best concepts are built on exceptional food and strong leadership,” said Khalil. “Mike’s Red Tacos has both. From my first visit, I could see the care that goes into the product and the guest experience, and after getting to know the team behind the brand, I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of. I’m excited to help introduce Mike’s Red Tacos to Michigan and share a concept that I believe guests will really connect with.”

The brand, first popularized in 2021 as a thriving food truck, carries a creative “the dip is worth the drip” tagline. It is best known for its craveable Birria, signature consomé dip and bold visual restaurant identity. As a result of two high-performing restaurants open within the past four years, Mike’s Red Tacos has attracted a social media following, especially with Millennial and Gen Z customers who value authenticity but also want a fun, approachable and shareable experience.

“Michael brings a unique combination of restaurant expertise, financial acumen and hands-on operating experience that makes him an outstanding addition to the Mike’s Red Tacos family,” said Vincent Montanelli, President of Mike’s Red Tacos. “As we continue expanding across the country, we’re focused on partnering with operators who understand how to build strong teams, deliver a great guest experience and become a meaningful part of their communities. Michael has a proven track record of doing exactly that, and we’re excited to begin introducing Mike’s Red Tacos to Metro Detroit and, ultimately, communities throughout Michigan alongside him.”

As Mike’s Red Tacos gears up to bring 15 new locations to Michigan, demand for the brand’s authentic birria and signature red tacos continues to soar. With more than 300 units already committed nationwide, territories are filling quickly, but opportunities to develop Mike’s Red Tacos remain available in major markets across the country for experienced operators eager to join one of the fastest-growing concepts in the industry.

Built on quality, community, and a truly distinctive product, Mike’s Red Tacos has grown from a single food truck into a movement. Our founder, Mike, who has been hands-on since day one, has created a proven model that resonates with both guests and operators. The brand is now seeking experienced franchise owners and restaurant operators with strong business backgrounds and the ability to scale multiple locations, ensuring that more communities can experience Mike’s unmatched flavor, hospitality, and guest-focused culture.