Mike's Red Tacos is expanding into Michigan through a 15-unit franchise agreement led by veteran restaurant operator Michael Khalil. The first restaurant is expected to open in Royal Oak later this year, marking the brand's debut in the state and extending its footprint into another key Midwest market.
Khalil brings extensive franchise experience to the venture, having owned and operated more than 25 locations across nationally recognized restaurant brands, including Little Caesars and Jersey Mike's. After beginning his career in accounting before transitioning into restaurant ownership, he said Mike's Red Tacos stood out for its distinctive menu, strong customer appeal, and long-term growth potential.
Founded as a single food truck in 2021, Mike's Red Tacos has rapidly evolved into a fast-growing franchise known for its signature birria tacos and rich consommé dipping sauce. Its blend of authentic flavors, memorable branding, and social media appeal has helped build a loyal customer base while positioning the concept for continued expansion into new markets.
President Vincent Montanelli said Khalil's experience in financial management and multi-unit operations makes him well-suited to lead the brand's Michigan growth. As the development progresses from a single opening to a 15-location pipeline, maintaining operational consistency and financial oversight will be essential to supporting long-term success across every restaurant.
For franchise businesses managing multi-unit expansion, access to reliable financial data becomes increasingly important as new locations open. Financial Reporting helps operators track revenue, expenses, and individual store performance from a centralized platform, making it easier to compare results and identify trends across the network. By bringing these insights together in one place, Gorilla Dash enables franchise owners to make informed decisions and support sustainable growth as their business expands into new markets.