Guac Mexi Grill announces deal for 95 restaurants in the United States

Guac Mexi Grill is preparing to enter the United States. On 26 October 2026, the Canadian fast-casual Tex-Mex franchise announced a development agreement covering 95 restaurants. The programme targets Georgia, South Carolina and Florida over ten years, with the first openings expected in 2027.

A phased development plan

The announcement, made in Oakville, Ontario, sets out a phased development programme across three states in the south-eastern US. The figure of 95 restaurants therefore reflects the planned scope of the agreement, rather than sites that are already open or all due to welcome their first customers in 2027.

This distinction is important when assessing the significance of the news. The ten-year timeframe places the project within a long-term growth strategy. Meanwhile, 2027 is the announced target for the first US openings. The two dates describe different stages of the same programme.

Georgia, South Carolina and Florida are the markets targeted by the agreement. Guac Mexi Grill describes it as the starting point for its entry into the US restaurant market and a major step in its franchise growth strategy across North America.

A brand founded in Ontario ten years ago

Founded in Ontario in 2016, Guac Mexi Grill now has more than 55 restaurants in Canada. The US announcement coincides with the brand’s tenth anniversary, as it prepares to expand across the border after establishing a presence in its home country.

For the Canadian franchise sector, part of the announcement’s significance lies in this trajectory: a home-grown brand now plans to extend its expansion beyond the border. The US project is not the initial launch of the concept, but a new stage for a network already established in Canada.

It is nevertheless important to distinguish between the brand’s current presence and its ambitions. The more than 55 Canadian restaurants make up the existing network cited in the announcement. The 95 US restaurants fall under an agreement for future development. Adding the two figures together to describe an operating restaurant estate would therefore give an inaccurate picture.

A multi-unit franchise model

Guac Mexi Grill says it has developed a multi-unit franchise model in Canada. According to the company, this model is underpinned by standardised operations, comprehensive franchisee training and ongoing support from the franchisor.

These elements outline the operational foundations highlighted by the brand as it announces its expansion. They also provide a framework for its strategy: development is not simply about opening new sites, but about replicating a concept across a franchisee network.

The US agreement provides for phased growth over the next decade. Its announced scale should therefore be considered alongside its timetable. For those tracking the project, the first openings expected in 2027 will be a tangible milestone, separate from the overall target of 95 sites. Announcing an agreement and bringing restaurants into operation remain two distinct stages of franchise development.

Canada remains part of the growth plans

The US expansion does not replace Guac Mexi Grill’s announced plans for Canada. The company says it continues to seek franchise development opportunities in Canada while preparing for its first US openings.

The brand is therefore pursuing two complementary paths: continuing to grow in its home market and organising its entry into three US states. For Canadian entrepreneurs following the brand, its continued domestic ambitions are worth noting alongside the cross-border agreement.

Key takeaway: Guac Mexi Grill has announced a US programme for 95 restaurants over ten years, not 95 immediate openings. Prospective franchisees should distinguish between the existing Canadian network, development opportunities in Canada and the planned US timetable.