Tijuana Flats

FREE WHEELIN’ FOUNDER

Like most college kids, our founder, Brian Wheeler, liked going to bars and restaurants. So much so that in 1995, he got the crazy idea to open his own despite never having worked in one. Problem was, like most college kids, Brian was broke. Fortunately for Tex-Mex fans, Brian’s dad loaned him the money to open the first Tijuana Flats in Winter Park, Florida.

BRING ON THE BIG SHOTS

In ‘99, Brian’s success caught the eye of restaurant industry hotshot Camp Fitch, who left retirement to become partner & chairman of Tijuana Flats. Brian’s dad, Chester Wheeler, soon followed suit, leaving a 30-year career at a Fortune 500 company to become CFO of Tijuana Flats. Since then, Tijuana Flats has grown to more than 120 restaurants in five very lucky states.

SAUCE LIKE A BOSS

While most college grads would be stoked just to own their own restaurant, Brian had a burning desire to go beyond burritos. So he created the “Smack My Ass & Call Me Sally” line of hot sauces, which includes a variety of flavorful sauces that range from sweet heat to full blown burns.

ROLL DEEP. CARE HARD.

Judging from our eclectic “non-chain” vibe, it may seem like we don’t have a care in the world. But the truth is, we care deeply about the people in our company, restaurants and communities. Which is why we attract the best-of-the-best team members who engage with guests from the time they walk in to the time they leave. We may be fast casual, but everyone at Tijuana Flats takes the time to truly care. That’s just how we roll.

TASTES GOOD. DOES GOOD.

Since day one, Tijuana Flats has always given back to the community. But in January 2007, we created the Just in Queso Foundation to give back even more. Much more. We’ve raised over $4,000,000 and counting, and our team members have donated countless hours to help those in need. We give back internally too through team member scholarships, a team member assistance fund and other in-house initiatives.

OUR CORE VALUES

We satisfy people’s cravings for bold flavors and colorful experiences piled high with big-hearted over-the-top service. And we proudly celebrate every person and every community with Tex Mex For All. That nicely sums up what we do. But who are we at our core and what do we believe? Our core values can answer that. They’re the main things we believe are important in life and behaviors we strive to achieve at all times.