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Tampa-based restaurant developer Built Different Brands is planning to open over 30 Mike's Red Tacos locations in the greater Tampa and Orlando areas beginning in 2027. The San Diego-born taco spot's tagline is "the dip is worth the drip." [ Instagram ]
San Diego-born Mike’s Red Tacos plans to expand into the greater Tampa and Orlando markets through a 36-unit agreement with local development group Built Different Brands. The group holds the franchise rights for PopUp Bagels, Marco’s Pizza and Dave’s Hot Chicken for the Tampa Bay market. It also manages wellness, beauty and immersive experience concepts.
“We’re a Tampa-based company, and we’ve been looking for the right brand to bring home,” said Kal Gullapalli, chief executive officer of Built Different Brands, by text message Thursday. “Mike’s Red Tacos is it. The birria is the real deal, the following is real, and Tampa Bay is going to love it.”
Mike’s Red Tacos is known for birria tacos and ramen. Mike Touma opened the spot’s first food truck in 2021. The restaurant uses certified Halal beef.
“We want to be in the neighborhoods where people actually live, work and eat. If you’re a landlord with the right spot, we wa...