Mike’s Red Tacos Names Patrick Cunningham as Chief Development Officer

March 19, 2026 // Franchising.com // SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Mike’s Red Tacos has brought on Patrick Cunningham to the role of Chief Development Officer. The appointment comes on the heels of the company’s recent franchising strategy announcement and continued development momentum.

Cunningham steps into his new role at Mike’s Red Tacos with extensive experience as a seasoned executive in the QSR industry. He previously served as Chief Development Officer at Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay, and before that, Vice President of U.S. Development for Little Caesars. Cunningham also spent more than 20 years at Dunkin’ and Inspire Brands, culminating more than 25 years of expertise in scaling franchise brands and navigating the evolving foodservice landscape. He joins newly named company president Vincent Montanelli in the brand’s growing C-suite. Montanelli is a longtime restaurant industry executive who most recently led Wetzel’s Pretzels, where he held various leadership roles for nearly 20 years.

“I’ve been incredibly impressed by the Mike’s Red Tacos brand and the momentum the team has built so far. There’s a strong foundation, backed by an experienced and forward-thinking leadership team that knows how to successfully scale a concept,” said Cunningham. “Birria is bringing real excitement to the fast casual segment, and Mike’s Red Tacos delivers with its authentic and craveable menu that resonates with guests. I look forward to building on the energy driving the company’s growth and growing the brand in new cities nationwide.”

As the CDO of Mike’s Red Tacos, Cunningham will lead the company into new markets, cultivate relationships with franchisees and drive the company’s growth strategy through a culture of innovation and collaboration.

“We’re entering an incredible new chapter with our recent franchising growth initiative, and Patrick possesses the expertise that will help bring the Mike’s Red Tacos growth vision to life,” said Montanelli. “Patrick has an impressive track record and shares our enthusiasm for the brand. We’re thrilled to have him on board and are confident he’ll prove to new communities that the dip really is worth the drip.”

Built on quality, community and a truly distinctive product, Mike’s Red Tacos has grown from a single food truck into a movement. Founder, Mike Touma, who has been hands-on since the concept’s inception, have created a proven model that resonates with both guests and operators. The brand is now seeking experienced franchise owners and restaurant operators with strong business backgrounds and the ability to scale multiple locations, ensuring that more communities can experience Mike’s unmatched flavor, hospitality and guest-focused culture.

The brand, first popularized in 2021 as a thriving food truck, carries a creative “the dip is worth the drip” tagline. It is best known for its craveable Birria, signature consome dip and bold visual restaurant identity. As a result of two high-performing restaurants open within the past four years, Mike’s Red Tacos has attracted a social media following, especially with Millennial and Gen Z customers who value authenticity but also want a fun, approachable and shareable experience.

SOURCE Mike’s Red Tacos 

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