Portillo’s Appoints Kevin Kalicak Finance Chief
Portillo’s announces industry veteran Kevin Kalicak as its new CFO and Treasurer, underscoring the brand’s growth strategy and financial vision.
Aug 5, 2026
Portillo’s announces industry veteran Kevin Kalicak as its new CFO and Treasurer, underscoring the brand’s growth strategy and financial vision.
Aug 5, 2026
Skye Anderson will lead McDonald's USA as its new president, stepping in to accelerate growth and revive sales. Learn how her leadership could shape the future of the restaurant industry.
Aug 4, 2026
Fast-growing chain HTeaO names franchise veteran Brian Wise as CEO, fueling the brand’s ambitious growth plans and franchisee-first strategy.
Aug 4, 2026
Dave & Buster’s announces Tarun Lal’s retirement as CEO, welcoming Darin Harper to the helm as the brand continues its Back-to-Basics strategy and growth initiatives.
Aug 4, 2026
Explore restaurant payment processing and learn how payments are authorized, settled, secured, reconciled, refunded, disputed, and deposited into business accounts.
Aug 3, 2026
Checkers & Rally’s welcomes Peter Busse as Chief Development Officer, signaling a new era of strategic expansion and franchise support for the quick-service brand.
Aug 4, 2026
Restaurant owners can use this guide to evaluate employee benefits, estimate expenses, define eligibility, manage enrollment, and strengthen staff retention.
Aug 3, 2026
Krispy Kreme announces two key internal promotions, naming Suk Nicholas as Chief Commercial Officer and Lori Suess as Chief People Officer. These appointments signal a continued commitment to innovative growth and people-first strategy.
Aug 3, 2026
Domino's launches a bold campaign offering $5 off digital orders in exchange for customer feedback on its revamped app and website - signaling a new era of guest engagement for restaurant operators.
Aug 3, 2026
This guide explains restaurant accounting, covering revenue, expenses, payroll, inventory, taxes, financial statements, cash flow, and strategies for improving profitability.
Jul 31, 2026
Discover how Cilantro Taco Grill is revolutionizing the Mexican fast casual dining industry through franchising and business expansion.

Cilantro Taco Grill's foray into franchising less than two years ago marked a significant turning point in the Mexican fast casual dining industry. With partnerships with Fransmart and the endorsement of Armando Christian Perez, also known as Pitbull, the chain has set ambitious goals to expand its presence globally. The vision to establish over 1,000 units worldwide within the next decade showcases the brand's commitment to revolutionize the fast casual dining experience.
In line with its expansion strategy, Cilantro Taco Grill has outlined plans to open seven new locations in 2025, focusing on key markets in Texas, Florida, Illinois, and California. By strategically selecting these locations, the chain aims to penetrate high-demand regions and capitalize on the popularity of Mexican cuisine. The franchising agreement for a store in California signifies the brand's intent to explore diverse markets and cater to a broad customer base.
To support its growth trajectory, Cilantro Taco Grill has implemented innovative measures such as setting up a dedicated commissary in Houston in collaboration with U.S. Foods. This strategic move ensures consistent food quality and a standardized meat supply chain across all its locations. By focusing on maintaining high-quality standards, the chain aims to build a strong reputation for excellence and customer satisfaction.

Embracing technology as a key driver of success, Cilantro Taco Grill introduced a new online ordering app in late 2024. The app not only simplifies the ordering process but also incorporates an integrated loyalty program that offers personalized promotions and exclusive deals tailored to individual customer preferences. By leveraging technology to enhance customer engagement, the chain reinforces its commitment to delivering a seamless and personalized dining experience.
In addition to its core offerings, Cilantro Taco Grill has expanded its revenue streams through catering services and the sale of bottled house salsa. These additional avenues not only boost revenue but also enhance brand visibility and customer engagement. By diversifying its offerings, the chain creates new touchpoints for customers to interact with the brand, driving loyalty and sustained growth.
Cilantro Taco Grill's search for franchise partners emphasizes the importance of past franchise experience and a strong financial portfolio. With a minimum net worth requirement of $1 million and $500,000 in liquid capital, the brand seeks committed operators with a proven track record in the franchise business. Prospective franchisees are expected to commit to developing at least five units in the U.S. within a specified timeline, demonstrating their dedication to the brand's growth and success.