Executive Chat: Patrick Fore, CEO of Lime Fresh Mexican Grill
At this year’s International Franchise Association (IFA) Convention in Miami Beach, I caught up with Patrick Fore, the dynamic CEO of Lime Fresh Mexican Grill. With a deep history in restaurant leadership and franchising, Patrick is spearheading a vibrant resurgence for the 21-year-old Miami-born brand. From a revitalized store footprint to a new franchise sales push, Patrick shared how Lime Fresh is evolving — and what’s next.
Q&A with Patrick Fore
Q: Give us the current snapshot of Lime Fresh. Where are you today?
We’re a 21-year-old brand, founded in 2004, with 11 locations — nine in Miami and two company stores in Orlando. The Orlando stores are our innovation hubs and certified training centers. We use them to test menu items, run LTOs, and host Discovery Days as we launch our new franchise sales program — which is why we’re here at IFA.
Q: What’s your personal story of joining Lime Fresh?
I’m a restaurant lifer — started as a dishwasher and worked my way up. I spent over a decade at Tijuana Flats, helping grow the brand from six company stores to over 130 locations. I eventually sat on the board during the private equity transition. After a detour in software, I was lured back when my now-business partner Vinay bought Lime Fresh and asked for my help. The brand needed fresh energy, so we rebuilt it. We’ve renovated stores, unified the menu, and launched what we call “One Whole Lime.” The new vision includes a bar-forward format, Miami-inspired cocktails, and a more modern, scalable experience.
Q: What makes Lime Fresh stand out in a crowded taco market?
There’s brand love. People say, “I grew up with Lime.” It’s a Miami staple — and as Miami has evolved into a tier-one city, that energy is baked into our DNA. When we talk about franchising, we’re not just selling tacos — we’re offering a Miami experience.
Q: What are you most excited about as you grow the brand?
I’m proud of our team. This is their first growth chapter, and they’re learning fast. We’re also adding key roles — a director of marketing and director of IT are top priorities. Right now, my CFO is doubling as CIO, and I’m still acting as head of marketing. It’s time to build that infrastructure so we can scale with strength.
Q: If you had to name one thing the brand has always done right, what would it be?
Freshness. From day one, Lime Fresh committed to never using frozen or microwaved ingredients. No bags, no shortcuts. Our prep team works 8–10 hours daily to ensure the quality is there. It’s labor-intensive, but it’s worth it — and that standard hasn’t changed.
Q: What’s the story behind the original South Beach store?
That’s the flagship — the OG from 2004. It still has the old school vibe, the little patio, the tight footprint. It’s the only store we’re not renovating to match the new Lime 2.0 look. It’s our tribute to where it all began.
Q: What’s one lesson from your career that today’s founders and restaurant leaders should hear?
Mentorship. True mentorship — not just leadership — means taking time to recognize potential and develop people beyond their job title. I try to schedule time weekly to sit down with team members, ask what they’re struggling with, and really listen. That’s how you grow a team — and a brand.
