After having shuttered on April 19 when the restaurant chain filed for bankruptcy, the 4693 Gardens Park Blvd Tijuana Flats has recently reopened as the brand seeks to revv up its return to activity in the area.
“This store represents our deep roots in the community and the unwavering support of our loyal fans who have made this journey possible,” said James Greco, the company’s new CEO.
“Tijuana Flats has been trying new things as it seeks a sweet spot that entices guests back to its tables. Nixing pico de gallo, adding queso to dishes that didn’t include it before and taking fried shrimp off the menu, the company has tinkered with its formula in recent months. Once a go-to dining destination for students and families, the chain declined in recent years, with some customers blaming waning food quality, as seen in many online reviews,” the OBJ reports.
“We’ve altered our position slightly to focus on authentic Mexican fast-casual,” Greco said. “We have spent a lot of time working on product, listening to what guests have said about product and improving recipes, procedures, adding equipment and then introducing some new items like authentic Mexican street tacos. It’s all designed to get our flavor profile much better – back to where it was – a leading competitor in the space.”
Despite its April Chapter 11 filing (which revealed the company didn’t have the money to pay for rent at more than half of its 65 corporate-owned eateries), Greco and Tijuana Flats are looking to the future as there will be reportedly no more area closures. Sites to be reopened are yet to be announced.
