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

Tijuana Flats, the Central Florida-based restaurant chain, announced the closure of 11 of its locations after being acquired by new owners.

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

In addition to announcing 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 initially brought so many people to love Tijuana Flats,” said Joe Christina, President and CEO. General of Tijuana Flats. “We understand the immediate financial steps they have taken to ensure the long-term health of this great and iconic brand.”

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

The restaurant chain did not specify which 11 establishments closed.

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