As part of a larger strategic vision by &pizza, the acquisition also marks the launch of Latitude Food Group, a newly formed holding company designed to oversee and guide both &pizza and Tijuana Flats. Under the leadership of &pizza CEO Mike Burns, Latitude Food Group will unite fast-casual and quick-service concepts that share a bold, unconventional spirit. With a focus on vibrant brand identities, daring marketing, and a guest-first approach rooted in community engagement, Latitude Food Group aims to drive growth through multi-unit franchising, partnering with entrepreneurs ready to scale dynamic, multi-brand portfolios.
“This is an exciting milestone for us,” said Mike Burns, CEO of Latitude Food Group. “&pizza and Tijuana Flats are a natural fit. Step into either location and you’ll immediately feel the energy. These aren’t your average concepts. From their innovative use of technology and bold design to their shared commitment to community and purpose, the alignment is clear. We’re excited to harness the unique strengths of both brands and apply proven strategies and efficiencies to build a strong foundation for future growth. We’re incredibly thankful to our investors, who are fully committed and share our vision for &pizza and Tijuana Flats under the Latitude Food Group banner.”
&pizza’s acquisition comes at an exciting time for the brand, which just deployed its franchising strategy earlier this year and recently announced expansion outside of the mid-Atlantic with four new franchise agreements that will bring the concept to four new markets across Orlando, Atlanta, Charleston, and Raleigh. Undeniable synergies exist between both brands, from the bold flavors, guest experience, community-focused values and electric vibe that each brings to the fast-casual sector.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Tijuana Flats has a strong established presence across the southeast, with nearly 100 corporate and franchised-owned locations in Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, Kentucky and Tennessee. The fast-casual Tex-Mex brand prides itself on serving made-to-order meals with fresh ingredients, never using microwaves, and is known for its creative, hand-crafted dishes, freshly made chips, signature made-daily queso and an expansive hot sauce bar which adds fiery flavors and customization options for guests who have come to love its bold flavors.
For more information about franchising with &pizza, please visit our franchising information page or find us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook or X.
For more information about Tijuana Flats, please visit tijuanaflats.com.
ABOUT &PIZZA
Founded in 2012, &pizza is a mission-driven, culture-carrying community dedicated to better flavor, quality ingredients, and community betterment. Proud to differentiate themselves, &pizza is doing more for their workers by providing a livable wage, a socially conscious vision, and real action to help advance real social progress. &pizza has locations across the East Coast in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia, and will soon be entering Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
ABOUT TIJUANA FLATS
Tijuana Flats, a fast-casual Mexican restaurant founded in 1995 in Winter Park, Fla., operates nearly 100 company-owned and franchised restaurants across Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, Kentucky and Tennessee. With bold flavors and colorful experiences piled high with big-hearted, over-the-top service, Tijuana Flats boasts a menu consisting of fresh, made-to-order tacos, burritos and other Mexican appetizers, entrées and desserts. For more information or to locate a Tijuana Flats near you, visit www.tijuanaflats.com.
