Central Florida-based Tijuana Flats announces new ownership, closing some restaurants

Central Florida-based restaurant chain Tijuana Flats announced it has closed 11 of its locations after being acquired by new owners.

Flatheads, LLC acquired the brand in hopes of “revitalizing its restaurants and revitalizing the customer experience,” according to a press release.

In addition to announcing the new owners, the company said it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

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Tijuana Flats was founded in 1995 by UCF student Brian Wheeler with the first location in Winter Park.

“Our company is excited about the new ownership group's plan to reinvest, focus and emphasize the things that originally brought so many people to love Tijuana Flats,” said Joe Cristina, CEO of Tijuana Flats. “We understand the immediate financial actions they have taken to ensure the long-term health of this great and iconic brand.”

Christina joined the brand in 2022 and is set to remain as CEO, according to the release.

The restaurant chain did not identify the 11 locations that were closed.

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