{"id":400050,"date":"2026-08-07T07:58:39","date_gmt":"2026-08-07T07:58:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/400050\/"},"modified":"2026-08-07T07:58:39","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T07:58:39","slug":"mikes-red-tacos-signs-first-texas-lease-targets-cedar-park-for-debut","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/400050\/","title":{"rendered":"Mike’s Red Tacos Signs First Texas Lease, Targets Cedar Park for Debut"},"content":{"rendered":"

Rich, flavorful birria is heading to Austin. Mike\u2019s Red Tacos<\/a> has signed its first Texas lease as part of a newly announced 22-unit franchise agreement. The deal, first reported by QSR<\/a>, marks the brand\u2019s Texas debut as part of a broader expansion into Austin and the greater San Francisco Bay Area.<\/p>\n

What Now Austin spoke with Brian Cassidy, CEO of CW Strong Restaurant Group, the franchisee behind the agreement, who confirmed the brand\u2019s first Texas restaurant will open in Cedar Park. Cassidy said the lease was signed last Friday.<\/p>\n

Mike\u2019s Red Tacos specializes in crispy, Tijuana-style beef birria tacos served with warm consomm\u00e9 for dipping. The menu is centered on the brand\u2019s signature tacos, alongside combo meals and other Mexican-inspired offerings.<\/p>\n

According to Cassidy, the rollout will likely include eight to 10 locations in Texas and 15 to 20 in Northern California, where the brand is also close to finalizing its first lease.<\/p>\n

Beyond Cedar Park, Cassidy said the brand is evaluating additional sites throughout the greater Austin area but declined to name specific locations yet. He emphasized that Mike\u2019s Red Tacos is focused on establishing a presence in the region\u2019s fastest-growing communities.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can imagine we want to be in all of the hottest spots in Austin. Greater Austin and surrounding is perfect,\u201d Cassidy told What Now Austin.<\/p>\n

Cassidy leads CW Strong Restaurant Group alongside partner Sam Wong, bringing more than 30 years of franchise experience to the venture. Their portfolio includes more than 20 Dave\u2019s Hot Chicken locations and 127 Carl\u2019s Jr. restaurants.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m impressed with the momentum Mike\u2019s Red Tacos has already built and how the brand has carved out its own lane in the Mexican fast-casual space. Texas knows and loves its Mexican food, and we\u2019re confident that guests will embrace the bold flavors and unique dining experience,\u201d Cassidy said, according to QSR.<\/a><\/p>\n

What Now has previously covered the brand\u2019s expansion into Los Angeles and Orange County<\/a>\u00a0 as part of a nationwide growth strategy that now includes more than 250 committed units. Specific Austin-area sites remain confidential while lease negotiations continue.<\/p>\n

For more information, follow Mike\u2019s Red Tacos on Instagram<\/a> and Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n