Canadian restaurant franchise Guac Mexi Grill plans to expand into the United States under a 10-year, 95-unit development agreement targeting Georgia, South Carolina and Florida, with the first restaurant openings expected in 2027.
The Oakville, Ont.-based company announced the agreement on Monday, coinciding with its 10th anniversary. Founded in Ontario in 2016, the fast-casual Tex-Mex chain has grown to more than 55 restaurants across Canada and is preparing to enter the U.S. market as part of its broader North American expansion strategy.
“This is a defining moment for Guac Mexi Grill,” said Trushna Makadia, CEO of Guac Mexi Grill. “Over the past decade, we’ve built a strong foundation in Canada, focused on quality, consistency and the success of our franchise partners. Entering the United States with a 95-unit development agreement reflects our long-term vision for the brand. We’re approaching this expansion with the same commitment to operational excellence and guest experience that has shaped our growth since 2016.”
Expansion targets three southeastern states
The development agreement outlines a phased rollout across the three states over the next decade. The company is targeting its first U.S. restaurant openings in 2027, with additional development planned as it establishes a presence in the American market.
Guac Mexi Grill said the U.S. expansion will prioritize site selection, operational readiness and consistent execution as it builds its regional restaurant network. The announcement did not specify the timing of individual openings or how the 95 planned units would be distributed among the three states.
The company’s restaurant format is intended for a range of commercial locations, including traditional retail plazas, shopping centres, street-front properties and select non-traditional venues. Its development approach is designed to accommodate multi-unit franchise growth and commercial real estate partnerships.
The company said its compact restaurant footprint, customizable menu and existing franchise support infrastructure provide flexibility for development across different locations.
Guac Mexi Grill’s Canadian operations are supported by standardized procedures, franchisee training and ongoing corporate assistance. The company said those elements have supported its growth to more than 55 restaurants nationwide since its founding.
Canadian franchise prepares for U.S. market
Guac Mexi Grill operates in the premium fast-casual restaurant segment, serving customizable burritos, bowls, tacos and other Tex-Mex dishes. Its menu and restaurant format will form the basis of its planned entry into the U.S. market.
The company describes its offering as combining quick-service convenience with an emphasis on food preparation and the dining experience. Its menu features house-made sauces, guacamole prepared in-store and fire-grilled proteins, while its restaurants use an industrial-modern design.
The planned expansion comes as the company enters its second decade of operations. The 95-unit agreement is part of its stated long-term goal of building a recognized North American fast-casual restaurant brand.
The company continues to pursue franchise development opportunities in Canada while preparing for its first U.S. locations, which are expected to open in 2027.
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