LeBron James is investing in Mike’s Red Tacos, adding a prominent backer to a young restaurant brand built around beef birria. Financial terms were not disclosed, according to QSR Magazine’s September 15 report. QSR’s coverage

The company says it has more than 300 franchise locations in development. That figure describes its expansion pipeline, rather than restaurants already open.

Mike’s began as a San Diego food truck in 2021. By February 2026, it was announcing agreements for more than 200 planned restaurants with operators whose experience included Dave’s Hot Chicken, Jersey Mike’s, Dunkin’ and other established chains. Its signature product pairs birria with consommé for dipping. The company’s February franchise announcement

James’ arrival brings attention to a business with experienced leadership already in place. Andrew Feghali, the first Dave’s Hot Chicken franchisee, became CEO in August, while founder Mike Touma became chief brand officer. Bill Phelps, a Wetzel’s Pretzels co-founder and former Dave’s CEO, chairs the company, QSR reported.

The brand’s own franchise requirements help explain how it intends to grow. Mike’s is seeking partners who already own and operate at least five quick-service or fast-casual restaurants and have the infrastructure to support multiple locations. Mike’s franchise information

That approach places much of the expansion work with operators who have opened restaurants before. They still have to secure sites, obtain permits, hire teams and establish a customer base in each market.

On its franchise website, Mike’s estimates that a first restaurant typically takes nine to 12 months to open after an agreement, with timing dependent on real estate, permitting and construction.

For a small brand attracting national attention, that is the number to keep in mind alongside the development total. An investment announcement can arrive in a day; turning signed agreements into functioning restaurants takes considerably longer.

Photo: Birria tacos at Mike’s Red Tacos. Courtesy of Mike’s Red Tacos, distributed with its February 2026 franchise announcement.