f o o d fr a n c h i s i n g fe at u r e
Q&A: RYAN URSREY | Roll-Em-Up
Roll-Em-Up Roll-Em-Up
Q&A with RYAN URSREY Describe your organisation – how long has it been in operation? when did you start franchising? how many franchisees do you currently have? We are the only taquito focused multi-unit fast casual concept in the world. The story of Roll-Em-Up Taquitos’ is simple; it began in my childhood home, where my father and I fell in love with my mother, Karen’s, famous beef taquitos. My family and I always talked about opening a taquitos-only eatery, but unfortunately, my mother passed before that dream became a reality. Fast-forward to today, we are “Blastin Reggae” and opened the first Roll-Em-Up Taquitos in Chino Hills, California in 2019, where we sold an average of 3,500 taquitos a day. We opened our second location in Brea, California and our third in Victorville, California. In May, we made the decision to begin franchising and currently have 71 units sold and under development agreement with another 70 in the pipeline. Our next two locations are set to open in the next six months.
What is your main product/service? Our menu is simple but focused and easy to execute. Taquitos of course, are the star. Braised shredded prime beef slow cooked overnight, marinated chicken, avocado, potato and fresh grated cheese. Roll-Em-Up Taquitos are made only with fresh ingredients and are hand-rolled daily with corn or flour tortillas and pan-fried in custom cast iron skillets, just like Mama Karen made ‘em. You won’t find a freezer in the joint! Traditional toppings include cheese, sour cream, freshly made guacamole, in addition to an array of proprietary, house made dipping sauces, including a mild or spicy house sauce, guac sauce, queso sauce, and our famous “lit” sauce.
Ryan Ursey (left) with Chris Wyland - Chief Development Officer at Roll-Em-Up.
38 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
Rounding out the menu is our wildly popular take on street corn, whole ears of corn on a stick that come loaded with butter, mayo, cotija cheese; dusted with Hot Cheetos and tajin or coated in queso, for a crave worthy treat served conveniently in a Roll-Em-Up cup and lid. House made beans and rice are also available and for dessert, churro donuts are fried to order and drizzled with caramel sauce. Beverages include batch craft soda along with assorted flavors of horchata.
