Sucheros To Open Over 100 Locations (Chipotle Fans Should Pay Attention)

Surcheros is a quickly expanding Tex-Mex chain originating in Douglas, Georgia, with locations in Florida. The “Fresh Mex” tagline and the menu make it feel like Surcheros may be targeting Chipotle fans specifically.

The restaurant, introduced to the world in 2007, recently announced its plans to open 100 locations and expand into two new states.

So grab your best rewards credit cards and get ready to head to one of these new Surcheros restaurants near you.

Earlier this year, Surcheros announced its plans to open 100 new storefronts over the next five years.

With just thirty storefronts to the brand’s name now after becoming a chain in 2017, this is considered mass expansion. Fifteen to twenty locations are planned for the next year and a half alone.

According to an August press release, fast-casual restaurant Surcheros is expanding into South Carolina. Four locations are planned to open in the Columbia metropolitan area in the next four years. The first of the four is set to open in November.

Luke Christian, Surcheros Founder and CEO, had this to say in a press statement: “This is a significant milestone for us as we continue to expand across the Southeast and strengthen our franchise network with partners who share our vision.”

The second state Surcheros is focusing its next round of expansion into is Tennessee.

"We have always had ambitious plans to expand in Tennessee, and securing this partnership agreement demonstrates the remarkable growth of our franchise system and the exceptional hospitality we provide in local communities," Christian said in the announcement.

Surcheros’ first location opened in Douglas, Georgia in 2007. In 2017, they began to franchise into cities like Dublin, Hinesville, Savannah, Tifton, and beyond. They have since expanded to include thirty individual locations across the states of Georgia and Florida.

CEO Luke Christian has emphasized the importance of expanding across the southeast. They are currently headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, and have new locations opening soon in Rincon and Gray.

Like most fast-casual restaurants these days, Surcheros is going digital. Download their app to get exclusive coupons. Use the app to track the rewards you rack up with each purchase to earn free food.

Their user-friendly app allows for online orders to be set for pickup or delivery. The chain seems to be investing in the user experience and streamlining purchase options as they expand.

Surcheros serves a variety of Tex-Mex foods. Their burritos come with chips and salsa and in three different varieties. You can get vegetarian or meat burritos on a 12-inch tortilla or 10-inch tortilla.

You can order soft or hard shell tacos, nachos, quesadillas, salads, or burrito bowls. Choose from toppings like spinach, pico de gallo, sour cream, cilantro, tomatoes, cheese, and more to personalize your dish.

“Fresh ingredients and way more options than anyone else,” raves one Reddit user.

Surcheros keeps its beverage options simple. Soft drinks and iced tea are offered alongside select bottled drinks and gallon iced tea carafes to take home for the family.

If you look at the menu online, Oreos are the only sweet offering — other than corn salsa. Surcheros knows what they do well, focus on it, and do it well.

Enjoy any number of their heavy, multiple-meal-worthy dishes like the Loaded Quesadilla or Surcheros Tacos.

Perhaps one thing that keeps customers coming back, again and again, is the extreme hospitality that you experience in every Surcheros location.

Luke Christian has been quoted many times saying that the restaurant is focused on southern hospitality and rooted in community. In fact, the restaurant's name is derived from the Spanish words for “south” and “friend.”

Because of this focus, employees are welcoming and kind from the minute you step into the restaurant.

Surcheros isn’t the only Tex-Mex restaurant that is expanding into new territories. Long-time Chipotle rival Qdoba announced earlier this year that it plans to double its existing footprint in the market over the next decade. In August, they announced 40 new locations.

Canada-bred Burritobar is expanding into the United States with around 750 restaurants planned across territories like Nebraska, Michigan, Florida, Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee, Iowa, North Texas, South Illinois, New Jersey, and Ohio.

Other popular Tex-Mex restaurants don’t have the deals that Surcheros does. “It’s Chipotle with free guac,” explains one Reddit user.

But if you pay attention to the calendar, some chains host weekly specials that come with free drinks. Plus, the pricing seems reasonable for the quality and quantity of the food, as well as the friendly customer service.

“It's almost exactly like Chipotle,” explains one Redditor. “But it's half the price with free guacamole, more toppings, more sauces, and every entree comes with free chips and salsa, the chips are made fresh in-house as well as the salsa.”

Chipotle isn’t the only affordable, fresh Tex-Mex in town anymore. Surcheros is known for having friendly customer service and a stress-free ordering environment.

The upcoming expansion could mean new opportunities to go out to eat more, so keep your eyes peeled.