
It was modeled after Burrito Brothers, a Mexican restaurant in Gainesville, Florida and funded with $20,000 in borrowed money from Wheeler's family. Tijuana Flats was started in Winter Park, Florida. The company had 18 locations before expanding out-of-state in 2004. The restaurant was founded in Winter Park, Florida, in 1995 by University of Central Florida graduate Brian Wheeler with US$20,000 in loans. Customers order at the front counter and are served after taking a seat.

Tijuana Flats restaurants are fast-casual hybrids with fresh food, hot sauce bars, art murals and off-beat culture. It has over 135 locations (117 company owned & 18 franchised) throughout Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, and Indiana.

Tijuana Flats Tex-Mex is a privately-held American restaurant chain serving Tex-Mex cuisine.
