Press Release
December 30, 2024
Sun Holdings Expands Presence in Mexican Cuisine Segment with Acquisition of Uncle Julio’s
Dallas, Texas – Sun Holdings, one of the nation’s largest and most dynamic multi-brand franchise organizations, has announced the acquisition of substantially all the assets of Uncle Julio’s through its affiliate, Next Restaurants. The acquisition, which took place at a foreclosure auction on December 19, 2024, is a strategic move in Sun Holdings’ continued expansion into the Mexican dining segment.
Founded in 1986, Uncle Julio’s is celebrated for its high-quality ingredients, authentic flavors, and memorable dining experiences. This acquisition highlights Sun Holdings’ broader strategy to strengthen its position in the fast-growing Mexican dining segment while enhancing its diverse portfolio of restaurant brands.
“Uncle Julio’s is an iconic brand with a storied legacy and a loyal following,” said a spokesperson for Sun Holdings. “This acquisition reflects our ongoing commitment to identifying opportunities where we can combine operational excellence with strategic growth to deliver value to customers and stakeholders alike.”
The acquisition of Uncle Julio’s is part of Sun Holdings’ larger vision to own brands in the Mexican cuisine market. Sun Holdings, through its affiliates, already operates Taco Bueno, a quick-service Mexican restaurant chain, and in August 2024, it acquired Freebirds World Burrito, a fast-casual brand renowned for its customizable burritos. With these brands, Sun Holdings now spans multiple tiers of the Mexican dining experience, from quick-service to polished casual.
“By bringing Uncle Julio’s into our portfolio alongside Taco Bueno and Freebirds World Burrito, we are creating a comprehensive platform that meets customers’ needs across the full spectrum of the Mexican dining experience,” said Guillermo Perales, President and CEO of Sun Holdings.
Sun Holdings’ extensive resources, operational expertise, and industry-leading capabilities will position Uncle Julio’s for long-term success. The brand will benefit from synergies with Sun Holdings’ other Mexican-focused brands, leveraging shared supply chains, enhanced marketing strategies, and a proven ability to scale operations.
“This is more than an acquisition; it’s a critical component of Sun Holdings’ long-term strategy,” Perales explained. “We see tremendous opportunities for Uncle Julio’s and are excited to combine its rich heritage with our proven track record of driving growth and innovation.”
This acquisition reinforces Sun Holdings’ position as a dominant player in the foodservice industry and highlights its dedication to preserving and growing the legacy of beloved restaurant brands.
This transaction was spearheaded by Taylor Bennett, Chief Legal Officer of Sun Holdings in conjunction with Marcus Helt, Anh Lee and Matthew Celentano of McDermott Will & Emery’s Restructuring practice group.
About Sun Holdings
Sun Holdings is a leading multi-brand franchise organization with a diversified portfolio of over 1800 locations across the U.S., spanning multiple foodservice and retail brands. With a proven track record of operational excellence and strategic innovation, Sun Holdings continues to expand its presence in key market segments.
