Michigan is in line for a major expansion from Mike’s Red Tacos, the San Diego-born restaurant brand specializing in beef birria. A new franchise agreement calls for 15 restaurants across the state over the coming years, beginning with a planned location in Royal Oak.
The deal brings another contender into the crowded fast-casual taco market, where diners already have plenty of choices beyond the biggest national taco chains. The company’s September 1 announcement names franchise operator Michael Khalil as the person leading its Michigan rollout.
Royal Oak is first in line
The first Michigan restaurant is planned for Royal Oak in metro Detroit. The chain initially described it as a late-2026 opening, while regional restaurant coverage has identified the expected site as 30955 Woodward Avenue. A firm public opening date has not been established, and the full rollout is expected to take several years.
The initial store is particularly important because Michigan is a new market for the brand. It will give local diners a chance to try the concept before more restaurants are developed elsewhere in the state.
Khalil brings substantial experience operating other quick-service brands. The company’s announcement says he owns and operates 11 Little Caesars restaurants and 14 Jersey Mike’s locations across Michigan, Indiana and California. His background also includes restaurant accounting and franchise ownership.
Those existing restaurants are not part of the 15 Mike’s Red Tacos openings. The number refers to the new development agreement for the taco brand, and the other 14 prospective sites have not been publicly identified in the announcement.
What makes the taco chain different
Mike’s Red Tacos started as a food truck in San Diego in 2021 and gained attention for its birria and consommé, the flavorful broth traditionally served alongside the tacos for dipping. The brand has since moved from its food-truck beginnings toward restaurants and franchising.
The Michigan agreement marks an ambitious step for a relatively young concept. Unlike a mature chain adding another restaurant in a market it already serves, this rollout requires the operator to build awareness while finding and opening sites across a new state.
The immediate news for Michigan diners is therefore a planned first restaurant in Royal Oak and a signed commitment for 15 locations. It does not mean 15 restaurants are under construction or that opening dates have been announced for all of them.
For now, Royal Oak is the location to watch. Details on the rest of the Michigan footprint should become clearer as leases and development plans are finalized.
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