Guac Mexi Grill, the Ontario-founded fast-casual Tex-Mex franchise, has announced a 95-unit US development agreement that marks the brand’s first move into the American restaurant market. The 10-year expansion plan will target three southeastern states – Georgia, South Carolina and Florida – with initial locations expected to open in 2027.
The announcement coincides with the brand’s 10th anniversary. Founded in Ontario in 2016, Guac Mexi Grill has grown to more than 55 restaurants across Canada, building a multi-unit franchise model underpinned by standardized operations, comprehensive franchisee training and ongoing corporate support.
“This is a defining moment for Guac Mexi Grill,” said Trushna Makadia, CEO of Guac Mexi Grill. “Over the past decade, we have built a strong foundation in Canada, focused on quality, consistency and the success of our franchise partners. Entering the United States with a 95-unit development agreement reflects our long-term vision for the brand. We are approaching this expansion with the same commitment to operational excellence and guest experience that has shaped our growth since 2016.”
Targeting the southeast US
The agreement establishes a phased development plan across the three target states over the next decade. Initial restaurant openings are planned for 2027, followed by further market development as the brand builds its American presence.
Guac Mexi Grill’s restaurant format is designed for traditional retail plazas, shopping centres, street-front locations and select non-traditional venues. Its compact footprint, customizable menu and established franchise support infrastructure are intended to provide flexibility for multi-unit development and commercial real estate partnerships across the region.
A Canadian concept built for North American scale
The brand operates in the premium fast-casual segment, offering customizable burritos, bowls, tacos and other Tex-Mex options. Its differentiation is built around house-made sauces, guacamole prepared in-store, fire-grilled proteins and an elevated industrial-modern restaurant environment – combining the speed of quick-service dining with an emphasis on culinary preparation and guest experience.
The 95-unit agreement represents a significant step in the brand’s stated ambition to become a recognized North American fast-casual restaurant brand as it enters its second decade of operation.
Key takeaways
- Guac Mexi Grill has signed a 95-unit US development agreement targeting Georgia, South Carolina and Florida, with first restaurant openings planned for 2027 – the brand’s first move beyond its Canadian home market.
- The announcement marks the brand’s 10th anniversary, having grown from its Ontario origins in 2016 to more than 55 locations across Canada over the past decade.
- The 10-year phased expansion plan is designed around Guac Mexi Grill’s existing multi-unit franchise model, with standardized operations and franchisee support infrastructure already established in Canada.
- The brand’s compact restaurant format – suited to retail plazas, shopping centres and street-front locations – is positioned to support commercial real estate partnerships and multi-unit development across the southeast US.
- Guac Mexi Grill differentiates itself in the premium fast-casual segment through house-made sauces, in-store guacamole preparation, fire-grilled proteins and an industrial-modern restaurant environment.
