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Tijuana Flats, a fast-casual Tex-Mex restaurant founded in 1995, is entering a “new chapter” in its existence, according to a company press release. The company announced on April 19 that a new ownership group has acquired the restaurant and that in conjunction with that ownership change, it was closing 11 locations and filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
The new ownership group is Flatheads, LLC. Previously Tijuana Flats was owned by TJF USA, LLC.
“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,” said Joe Christina, CEO of Tijuana Flats. “We understand the immediate financial actions taken by them to ensure the long-term health of this great and iconic brand.”
Company 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. The decision to close restaurants was a result of a unit-by-unit analysis of financial performance, occupancy costs, and market conditions. The new owners said they recognized the critical juncture at which Tijuana Flats stood, therefore felt immediate action was needed to preserve the organization. The company currently has 65 company-owned locations throughout Florida and 26 franchised restaurants located in Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
Christina, who joined the brand in November of 2022, will remain as CEO of the company.
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.
“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,” Christina said. “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.”
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