From Food Truck to Franchise Phenomenon: Inside Mike’s Red Tacos’ Rapid Rise

From Food Truck to Franchise Phenomenon: Inside Mike’s Red Tacos’ Rapid Rise

April 7, 2026 · 18 min

About this episode

Lance Salsman discusses the rapid rise of Mike's Red Tacos from a food truck to a franchise phenomenon.

In this episode of Fast Casual Nation, host Cherryh Cansler sits down with Lance Salsman, SVP of Operations & Training at Mike's Red Tacos, recorded live at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit in San Diego. Lance shares the brand's origin story — from a birria food truck founded by Mike in 2021 to a rapidly expanding franchise concept backed by industry legend Bill Phelps — and breaks down how Mike's is borrowing and improving on the Dave's Hot Chicken playbook to scale with experienced multi-unit franchisees, rigorous brand standards, and innovative kitchen technology that keeps the authenticity of slow-simmered birria intact across every location.<br /><br />#FastCasualNation #MikesRedTacos #RestaurantFranchising<br /><br />Become a supporter of this podcast: <a href="https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fast-casual-nation--3598490/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss">https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fast-casual-nation--3598490/support</a>.<br /><br />Get Your Podcast Now! Are you a hospitality or restaurant industry leader looking to amplify your voice and establish yourself…

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