LeBron James Is Putting His Money Behind His Love Of Tacos

LeBron James is once again putting his money where his mouth is as the newest investor in Mike’s Red Tacos. The investment comes as the Southern California birria concept prepares to open its first Los Angeles-area restaurant in Pasadena this October.

After years of sharing his love of tacos on social media, King James is now putting some skin in the game. His investment in the growing birria concept reflects his confidence in its founder-led approach and a management team he already knows pretty well.

“I love tacos, and I especially love how they bring people together to create traditions and share great moments around the table with family and friends,” James said. “In addition to having an incredible taco, Mike’s Red Tacos brings those same values to life in a fresh, new way for consumers.”

James and his investment partner, Main Street Advisors, already have a connection to the team behind Mike’s Red Tacos through their investment in Dave’s Hot Chicken. CEO Andrew Feghali and Chairman Bill Phelps, who helped build Dave’s into one of the country’s fastest-growing restaurant chains, have now joined forces with Mike’s Red Tacos founder Mike Touma.

“We’re not interested in trend-chasing brands,” Feghali said. “We’re interested in founders building something enduring. Mike did that with a focused menu, chef-driven food, and a loyalty most brands never earn.”

Mike’s Red Tacos started as a single San Diego food truck and has since built a Southern California following around its slow-braised birria, served with the requisite consommé for dipping.

“What we’ve built has always started with the food,” Touma said. “Before anyone knew our name, before we opened restaurants, and before we ever talked about franchising, people were lining up because they loved the birria.”

Now the concept has more than 300 franchise locations in development nationwide, with its next big move taking it into Los Angeles County. Mike’s Red Tacos will open its Pasadena restaurant this October at 899 E. Del Mar Blvd.