Try Tijuana Flats Restaurant for a Fresh Tex-Mex Meal

Tijuana Flats, a Tex-Mex restaurant franchise, has built its reputation on fresh ingredients, made-to-order menu items, a line of he custom sauces, and of course, crushed ice. That's right, crushed ice. The Tijuana Flats Manifesto spells out the restaurant's credo, including the declaration, "Crushed ice can take you to a happy place."

Tijuana Flats is the brainchild of Brian Wheeler. Brian was a student at the University of Central Florida in Orlando back in the mid-90's when he concocted the idea of this unique Tex-Mex restaurant. After graduation he borrowed $20,000 from his parents and the rest, as they say, is history.

For those in search of a Tex-Mex feast, Tijuana Flats is an excellent place to begin. They only use fresh ingredients prepared fresh daily. They have no microwaves and don't use lard or frozen foods, and none of their dishes have ever contained trans fats. Everything is made to order, so even the pickiest eaters can add or subtract ingredients to their liking.

Tijuana Flat's menu is reasonably priced and contains a vast selection of tacos, burritos, enchiladas, chimichangas, and so much more. The average meal is priced around $5 - $7, but a mega-burrito can feed two with a side of chips and salsa. They also have a kid's menu for the youngsters.

The most unique and popular aspect of Tijuana Flats has to be its hot bar. Sample one or more of the sauces with names like 'Smack My Ass and Call Me Sally' or 'Don't be a Chicken Shit.' For customers who are chicken shit (and proud of it, thank you very much), a milder flavor like 'Mojo Mango' sauce will add a nice finishing touch to their meal.

The initial popularity of the sauces prompted Mr. Wheeler to bottle and sell them, and all of the sauces offered at the hot bar are available in the restaurants or online at www.TijuanaFlats.com. Their hottest sauces come with a disclaimer and require customers to sign a waiver before purchasing. These are recommended to be used only as add-ins to recipes, not as condiments.

Tijuana Flats also uses the popularity of its sauces to contribute back to those in need. The 'Just in Queso' sauce supports the 'Just in Queso' fund, which supports individuals, groups, victims of natural disasters, and others in need. All proceeds from the sale of each $5.00 bottle go directly to the foundation, where one hundred percent of funds go to helping the community. So far tens of thousands of dollars have gone to the Red Cross for victims of hurricane Katrina, the Head Start program, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, plus many other causes, helping countless people through a tough time.

Since it's first restaurant opened in Winger Park, Florida, Tijuana Flats has expanded, opening new locations all over Florida and into North Carolina, Indiana, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Franchising opportunities are available, and more information is available on the website at www.TijuanaFlats.com. So check it out and see if there is a location near you. Taco Bell will be but a distant memory.