It has over 91 locations (65 company owned and 26 franchised) throughout Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina and Kentucky.

[2] Tijuana Flats restaurants are fast-casual hybrids with fresh food, hot sauce bars, art murals and off-beat culture.

[3] It was modeled after Burrito Brothers, a Mexican restaurant in Gainesville, Florida,[4] and funded with $20,000[5] in borrowed money from Wheeler's family.

After the third location was opened, a semi-retired restaurant executive, Camp Fitch, was invited to Tijuana Flats by his golf partner.

[7] When the fourth location opened, the founder's dad, Chester Wheeler, was reimbursed for his $20,000 loan used to start the company and joined as the CFO.

Today, the restaurant support and training center is located at the Tijuana Flats HQ in Maitland, Florida.

[citation needed] On 19 April 2024, Tijuana Flats filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, closing 11 restaurants, and was acquired by Flatheads, LLC the same day.

[15] Tijuana Flats exited bankruptcy in January 2025, with plans to refresh its menu and return to expanding its footprint.

After his death, multiple artists tried to replicate his style of work at newer Tijuana Flats locations.

The new design features bright lighting, custom vinyl-printed tables, digital menu boards, decal/graphic covered walls, and a local inspired mural.

This design took a drastic turn away from the previous industrial look, as all of the restaurants are covered with bright blue and yellow paint.

The mural sparked outcry by Tijuana Flats fans on Facebook, as it looked too tame and childish.

The remodel involved removing the 2nd ever Tijuana Flats wall mural, which was painted by artist Christopher Galipeau in the mid 90's.

[17] Guests may also order a starter of chips with fresh or spicy salsa, queso, guacamole, or a trio of all three; a side of fresh or spicy salsa, pico de gallo, queso, guac, rice, or beans; and a dessert of churro bites or cookie dough flautas.