Canadian fast-casual Tex-Mex brand plans a 10-year rollout across Georgia, South Carolina and Florida, with its first U.S. restaurants expected to open in 2027.
Canadian fast-casual restaurant brand Guac Mexi Grill has signed a 95-unit U.S. development agreement, marking its planned entry into the American market as it accelerates franchise expansion beyond Canada. The company will target Georgia, South Carolina and Florida under a 10-year development strategy, with the first U.S. restaurant openings expected in 2027.
Announced on October 26, 2026, the agreement coincides with the brand’s 10th anniversary and represents a significant step in its North American growth strategy. Founded in Ontario in 2016, Guac Mexi Grill has grown to more than 55 restaurants across Canada, building its network through a franchise model supported by standardized operating procedures, franchisee training and ongoing corporate support.
“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.”
The development agreement outlines a phased rollout across the three southeastern states over the next decade. The company has not disclosed the individual opening schedule, the allocation of the 95 restaurants across the states or the identity of the development partner.
Guac Mexi Grill said the U.S. expansion will prioritize site selection, operational readiness and consistency as it establishes its presence in the market. Its restaurant format is designed for retail plazas, shopping centres, street-front properties and selected non-traditional venues, providing flexibility for multi-unit development.
The brand operates in the premium fast-casual segment, offering customizable burritos, bowls, tacos and other Tex-Mex dishes. Its menu features house-made sauces, guacamole prepared in-store and fire-grilled proteins, supported by a contemporary industrial-style restaurant design.
The company’s expansion strategy builds on a Canadian network that had reached 56 locations by June 2026. Its existing franchise model and operational support infrastructure will underpin its planned U.S. rollout, although the company has not disclosed specific investment requirements or franchise fees for prospective American operators.
The U.S. agreement also follows Guac Mexi Grill’s move into international franchising. In May 2026, the brand announced a master franchise partnership with FranGlobal to develop its business in India, adding another market to its international expansion plans.
With its Canadian base established and new development initiatives underway in the United States and India, Guac Mexi Grill is pursuing a broader North American and international growth strategy. The success of the U.S. plan will depend on how effectively the company translates its existing franchise model into three new state markets while maintaining operational consistency across a significantly larger network.
