In 99, Brians success caught the eye of restaurant industry hotshot Camp Fitch, who left retirement to become partner & chairman of Tijuana Flats. He was doing it on emotion and excitement and energy, Fitch says of Wheeler. telephone to schedule a free consultation. of my heart. Respectfully Mrs. H. Is bankruptcy the right choice? Our passion is serving freshly prepared food and delivering engaging, over-the-top service in a spotless environment. #TBT Tijuana Flats Burrito Co. has named Brad Kaemmer chief executive, the company said Wednesday. Franchising.com is produced by Franchise Update Media. (2001). I am very grateful and will recommend you to We want to make sure that we set up that first one because we want franchisees to grow restaurants aggressively.. The most notable change came during the "Amped Up" look in 2016. Gone are the sci-fi wall murals, the new murals depict comical lizards in a local setting. 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. call with "BATUM-SHAKA-LAKA!". We always embrace our neighbors and quickly lend our support in times of need. 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. Tijuana Flats restaurants are fast-casual hybrids with fresh food, hot sauce bars, art murals and off-beat culture. [13], Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}283802N 812333W / 28.6338N 81.3925W / 28.6338; -81.3925. Let Restaurant Dive's free newsletter keep you informed, straight from your inbox. This web page does not constitute a franchise offering or an offer to sell a franchise. questions answered and make sure bankruptcy will work for you. legal advice on a specific matter. advice of a competent attorney. Tijuana Flats Tex-Mex restaurant's parent company, Tijuana Flats Holdings, has announced a strategic partnership with AUA Private Equity Partners. Wheeler moved from Chicago to Seattle, Washington, to take a job working for the Seattle SuperSonics, remaining there for two seasons, also hosting a radio talk show on the team's flagship radio station, KJR. Europe, Menlo Park, China), Where the person is located (e.g. All restaurants built after 2016 no longer feature the iconic wall. 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. Please wait while we submit your request 2023 Tijuana Flats. The main feature of each location is its hand-painted wall mural. Digital menu boards, local "lizard" murals, blue and yellow walls. (And restaurants, too.) 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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. I offer a free initial bankruptcy consultation by Weve raised over $4,000,000 and counting, and our team members have donated countless hours to help those in need. Sections 341, 342, 527(a) and 527(b) of the Bankruptcy Code Tijuana Flats is widely known for the unique appearance of their restaurants. We consistently provide high-quality guest and team member experiences and never compromise on our standards. Tijuana Flats 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. This has been such an incredible journey, says Brian Wheeler. bankruptcy may be able to help you by scheduling a free office or telephone The restaurant was founded in Winter Park, Florida, in 1995 by University of Central Florida graduate Brian Wheeler with US$20,000 in loans. years after law school. bankruptcy and keep our home. Brians dad, Chester Wheeler, soon followed suit, leaving a 30-year career at a Fortune 500 company to become CFO of Tijuana Flats. Companies Connections. We satisfy peoples cravings for bold flavors and colorful experiences piled high with big-hearted over-the-top service. Portland Bankruptcy Counseling Company for more than a year with These locations looked as if they were all small, local, taco shops. His father, Chester, left his position an executive position at Lockheed Martin to become CFO at Tijuana Flats. 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. Creating opportunities is how we grow. the bankruptcy counseling can be done entirely online. The most important lesson he learned is to embrace the help and knowledge of a mentor, he said. Learn about how were giving donations and our time back to the people and programs in our community that benefit children and our military. A second restaurant with a cajun menu was opened in 2011 called Tibby's New Orleans Kitchen. Clarification: This article was updated with additional details about Tijuana Flats Southeast expansion plans. 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. Brian Wheeler is the Founder and CEO of Tijuana Flats. time we will discuss the following things: What property do you own and is that property at risk of being taken by a bankruptcy trustee. 1999 In 1999, Fitch invested in the company and was appointed its CEO to expand the company. Locations include Baymeadows, Ortega Village, Metrowest. Tijuana Flats has about 20 franchised restaurants, mainly outside of Florida. And no matter what you achieve, there is no standing still, says Wheeler. [13], Guests may also order a starter of chips with fresh or spicy salsa, queso, guacamole, or a trio of all three; a side of fresh or spicy salsa, pico de gallo, queso, guac, rice, or beans; and a dessert of churro bites or cookie dough flautas. 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! 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.. Brian Wheeler is the founder and CEO of Tijuana Flats, a chain of Mexican restaurants mainly in Florida. We came to you with only days before we lost our home (because others Biography Early years. "I was honored and blessed to be a Blazer for 21 seasons, and fortunately I've accumulated some precious memories that will last a lifetime.". 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. in sports broadcasting history, including Vin Scully of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chick Hearn of the Los Angeles Lakers. 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. Oct 2020 - Present2 years 3 months. Wheeler didnt have any restaurant experience but brought in experts. people". Tijuana Flats Burrito Company, headquartered in Maitland, FL, is a Tex-Mex chain that currently operates . I would like to assure you that my goal is to good quality of life for all team members. 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.. 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. CARE HARD. Get the latest business insights from Dun & Bradstreet. One freestanding restaurant in Panama City, Florida, is testing a mobile pickup window, Christina said. Secondly, the company mapped out where Tijuana Flats could grow and where customers were asking for restaurants. Tibby's is the latest project from the team that created the outrageously successful Tijuana Flats chain of Tex-Mex eateries: Brian Wheeler, Camp Fitch and Wheeler's father, Chester. We respect your privacy and will never rent or sell your information. benefit you. How'd Tijuana Flats become Tijuana Flats? When Christina came on board in November 2022 he shifted the pace of the companys franchising strategy. [1] Tijuana Flats restaurants are fast-casual hybrids with fresh food, hot sauce bars, art murals and off-beat culture. always free* and there is no pressure to sign up.. This page was last edited on 4 February 2023, at 20:32. The restaurant was founded in Winter Park, Florida, in 1995 by University of Central Florida graduate Brian Wheeler with US$20,000 in loans. I Wheeler didnt have any restaurant experience but brought in experts. Brian Wheeler was just trying to replicate a favorite University of Florida eatery when he opened the first Tijuana Flats in 1995. and rebuilding the credit rating you deserve by calling me He graduated from the University of Central Florida. a lawyer in your state. Since then, Tijuana Flats has grown to 123 restaurants in four very lucky states. 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. An Heres what the data shows. We constantly innovate and seek new ways to meet and exceed the wants and needs of our guests, team members and partners. 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. This page is not available in other languages. "[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. He spends most of his time in the restaurants, working with employees, seeing the company at the ground level. The chain has gone through quite a few different design changes over the years. Tijuana Flats Tex-Mex is a privately-held American restaurant chain serving Tex-Mex cuisine. ", "Ring it up!" At first, it was just harmless fun. a low cost Wheeler called the sauce Smack My Ass & Call Me Sally, which, to his surprise, the FDA approved. He borrowed $20,000 from his parents and sold a car for the rest. 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. 11. 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. "It was a huge relief of stress for us. change will help many people with their fresh start after bankruptcy Mothers Day. By Terry Helms | August 18, 2009. In 1999, restaurant expert Camp Fitch joined the brand to become partner and chairman while Wheeler's dad, Chester Wheeler, left his 30-year career with a Fortune 500 company to become CFO. 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. [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. Wheeler has seen the failures. Weve got initial interest from a few multi-unit franchisees, which is really our desire.. We believe the first half of the year is going to be about growing awareness of the offer and the brand, Christina said. Customers order at the front counter and are served after taking a seat. Most years, Wheeler hosted a Super Bowl party that. I have recommended The first mural was painted in 1995 by artist Christopher Galipeau at the original location in Winter Park, Florida. 'oouW3 'iJe!2'd5Yg . Must be 13 years or older to join/participate. My first year we did $260,000 dollars in sales, says Wheeler. 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. Back in 1995, this college kid, Brian Wheeler, walked into a bar. Back in 1995, this college kid, Brian Wheeler, walked into a bar. require that an assisted person be given certain required disclosures and notices. [1] He worked for the NBA's Chicago Bulls during their first championship season. telephone or in person at my NE Portland office so that you can get your At first, it was just harmless fun. You were very professional and in no way made us ever feel like we were "bad During his radio broadcasts he's also known to call out energy driven lines such as: "Yes sir! I hope that after browsing through this website We are at our best when we create a chill vibe of living on the edge without trying too hard to be cool. because it will allow them to exempt more of their property, including tax And restaurants, too. In 2022 Tijuana Flats #2 in Hunt Club, Florida, was remodeled. In late 2015 the company was sold to AUA Private Equity firm. The celebrity "wall of fame" was removed, and the murals were painted on either wood or concrete walls. While I strive to keep the information current, you should not presume that all information is up to date since laws change Actually, a bunch of bars. 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. View our privacy policy. The company also provides an average of $10,000 to help with the grand opening to make sure that the operator starts on the right foot. Add a hint of heat, a touch of sweet or douse your dish with a Although Tijuana Flats built up its presence across Florida and the Southeast to over 120 locations as of 2023, the company hadnt aggressively franchised. The information contained on this website does not and should not be construed as legal advice. The franchise opportunities listed above are not related to or endorsed by Franchising.com or Franchise Update Media Group. D&B Business Directory allowing many Oregon residents to use the federal bankruptcy exemptions. Big-burrito chain Tijuana Flats spices up plans for expansion. None of the information on this page has been provided or approved by Tijuana Flats. About a decade ago, Tijuana Flats CEO Joe Christina entered one of the companys restaurants in Florida for the first time. Brian Wheeler founded the restaurant brand in 1995. Recent News and Activity There is no recent news or activity for this profile. All previous stores are being remodeled to match this design. Two of the companies are still active while the remaining twenty-six are now listed as inactive. And restaurants, too. Brian Wheeler, Portland Bankruptcy Attorney, 3939 NE Hancock St. Ste 304, Portland, OR 97212, For a freeconsultation, call (503)284-0994brian@brian-wheeler.com. Eat Tijuana Flats and earn Rewards! I could see that I had what he wanted, Wheeler says of Fitch. (2003). 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. [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?] 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. Looking back, I was in the right place at the right time, says the UCF alum. The newest TF is slated to open July 28 in Thornton Park next to Hue restaurant. But in January 2007, we created the Just in Queso Foundation to give back even more. He graduated from the University of Central Florida. At your initial consultation we will discuss how this may View Brian J Wheeler's profile for company associations, background information, and partnerships. Inspired by Burrito Brothers in Gainesville, he opened the first Tijuana Flats in 1995 in Winter Park. Bankruptcy can help you and other honest, hard-working people get rid of Please feel free to give me a call at 503-284-0994, text message me at Jobs Number of Past Jobs 1 Brian Wheeler has had 1 past job as the Founder and CEO at Tijuana Flats. help you through the process with understanding, compassion and skill. Keep up with the story. you do not know much about me. Find someone to show you the ropes. If and "Ooh, that was nasty!". Customers order at the front counter and are served after taking a seat. They serve drinks while you wait in line. Tijuana Flats entres include burritos, burrito bowls, chimichangas, dos tacos, flautas, fresh salads, nachos, quesadillas, and wings. [3], Tijuana Flats had six locations by 2001,[4] which grew to 18 locations in 2004[7] and 65 by 2009. 503-936-5026, Filing bankruptcy is a Wheeler became the sole radio broadcaster in 2016, with occasional appearances from former Blazer Brian Grant.[3]. Tijuana Flats was started in Winter Park, Florida. 1. Tijuana Flats is always keeping it fresh with the best Tex-Mex! He wanted to be near his alma mater, UCF, but settled on a space in a strip mall farther down University Boulevard, something he now sees as a blessing he doesnt think he would have survived during the summer without the students business. Wheeler hosted a daily radio talk show on KXTG-FM 95.5 The Game called Wheels at Work(originally "Wheels After Work"). You do not need to have [3][6] In 1999, Fitch invested in the company and was appointed its CEO to expand the company. Tijuana Flats plans to open 50 restaurants within the next three years. ", "I want to thank the Portland Trail Blazers for the incredible opportunity and honor of calling radio play-by-play for the past 21 years," Wheeler said in a press release from the team. Chief Executive Officer at Tijuana Flats Burrito CO is presently Brian's occupation. , which has raised over $5 million to help people and employees experiencing hardship. Thats when my partner came into my life, says Wheeler. Important Disclaimer: I provide this website for information and advertising purposes only. And you can, too. All Rights Reserved. During the 2018/19 season, Wheeler missed broadcasting the majority of the Trail Blazers games due to health issues. This is a full-blown, full-service restaurant with an extensive menu of appetizers, entrees and desserts, and from what I tasted, all quite . Ideal franchisees:The chain is targeting multi-unit operators with at least 10 restaurants, since these operators typically have the infrastructure to add payroll, IT, marketing and operations, Christina said. My initial consultations are See more Tijuana Flats November 12 at 9:50 AM Calling all Noles fans! Click here to find out more info and sign up today! That works to a point. Fitch came in and implemented financial and training systems. Actually, a bunch of bars. consultation. The mural was not only the second painting created for the company, but it was also the first full-wall mural. Brian Wheeler was just trying to replicate a favorite University of Florida eatery when he opened the first Tijuana Flats in 1995. At your initial consultation we will discuss how this may In '99, Brian's success caught the eye of restaurant industry hotshot Camp Fitch, who left retirement to become partner & chairman of Tijuana Flats. (408) 402-5681. In 1999, Fitch invested in the company and was appointed its CEO to expand the company. Not bad for someone whose only culinary experience was working as a UPS driver making occasional deliveries to restaurants. founded the restaurant brand in 1995. The brand also is testing a few freestanding locations and currently has five formats open. Even our queso, guac and salsa are made from scratch every day. In the last 20 years I have helped hundreds of clients successfully file bankruptcy in Oregon and receive their discharge. Jacksonville resident Camp Fitch was in town playing golf with a friend. As a college student, Wheeler loved Tex-Mex and wanted to create a bar atmosphere where people could hang out, Christina said. initial consultation will usually last about one hour and during that 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. When the fourth restaurant opened, Wheelers father, Chester, who had retired from his job at Lockheed Martin, joined his sons company as chief financial officer. Overview. legal and ethical option for people that need help. 2023 Tijuana Flats. The author of Star Wars Multiverse says these movies are reflections of ourselves, Orange County leads warnings, but no Central Florida restaurants shut down last week, SeaWorld: Pipeline coaster opens May 27 with previews starting May 12, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. The private equity firm said its main goal was to help further the expansion of the Tijuana brand. anyone who needs a good attorney. Fathers Day. You will receive a Free Tijuana Trio . The CEO of Tijuana Flats Burrito Co., an Altamonte Springs-based restaurant chain, is stepping down after nearly 20 years. But over time, the good times got the best of him and just going out no longer cut it. 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.. Today, the companys Longwood commissary produces more than 200 cases a month of 300 various sauces. Hayes, J. Thats just how we roll. His father, Chester, left his position an executive position at Lockheed Martin to become CFO at Tijuana Flats. With low overhead and food costs, Wheeler found he could open a second location. The data presented on this page does not represent the view of Tijuana Flats and its employees or that of Zippia. Brands like Chipotle, McDonalds and Starbucksarewalking a tightrope charge enough to protect the bottom line without alienating customers. San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley), Organization Name: This is the name of the organization, Title At Company: Title of a Person's Job, Start Date: Start date of the Person's Job. He was struck by the locations friendly service, hot sauce bar and the brands commitment to the community through its. ROLL DEEP. Initial emails should not contain any confidential information or information Since day one, Tijuana Flats has always given back to the community. Any day, really. Darker content murals, straight wall of celebrity autographs. This page is not available in other languages. In addition, he is a "Sports Broadcasting" course instructor[5] for the online sports career training school[6] Sports Management Worldwide in Portland. Not bad for someone whose only culinary experience was working as a UPS driver making occasional deliveries to restaurants. After his death, multiple artists tried to replicate his style of work at newer Tijuana Flats locations. brian@brian-wheeler.com or using my this done before you schedule a consultationwith me, but it does need to you will learn enough to feel comfortable contacting me via email or We are not engaged in, supporting, or endorsing any specific franchise, business opportunity, company or individual. [3][5] Students from Wheeler's former college made up some of the restaurant's early customers. Brian Wheeler is the Founder and CEO of Tijuana Flats. The Foundation donated $46,000 to remodel the home of a handicapped war vet[11] and started donating profits from the Just in Queso hot sauce to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.[12]. [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]. [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". Support. you want to keep secret. [10] That same year Tijuana Flats created its non-profit arm, the Just in Queso Foundation. The company is also known for having a "wall of fame" in each location. We got a great second chance." After a 13-year pause. Americas +1 212 318 2000. We pursue actionable and meaningful ideas to enhance and evolve our overall guest experience and bottom line. You should not act Brian Wheeler is the founder and CEO of Tijuana Flats, a chain of Mexican restaurants mainly in Florida. While Tijuana Flats is not currently accepting new applicants on Franchising.com, these other similar opportunities are actively looking for new franchisees. 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. The location in Cary, North Carolina, was updated in 2016 to reflect the "amped up" look. No media company understands the franchise landscape deeper than Franchise Update Media. The company also has interest in opening in Tennessee. 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. Not only did he get the job done, was very nice and personable, I also found he was the most cost effective attorney in the Portland area for bankruptcy

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