About Us

Christian López: Visionary Founder of BUTAQUE Tex-Mex Restaurants

Christian López Ramos, a proud native of Fajardo, Puerto Rico, is the innovative founder and CEO of BUTAQUE Tex-Mex Restaurants, a rapidly growing fast-casual dining concept rooted in bold flavors and entrepreneurial ambition. With a strong foundation in retail, having previously operated a successful chain of mobile phone stores across Puerto Rico, López entered the restaurant industry with a clear vision: to create a scalable and franchise-ready Tex-Mex concept that reflects the vibrancy of both Mexican-American cuisine and Puerto Rican culture.

Founded in 2019, BUTAQUE—whose name is a fusion of its core menu items: burritos, tacos, and quesadillas—quickly earned a reputation for its flavorful offerings, innovative birria dishes, and vegetarian-friendly options. Together with his cousin, Chef José Soto, López designed a menu that would appeal to a wide range of customers while maintaining operational simplicity, ideal for replication through franchising. Under López’s leadership, BUTAQUE expanded beyond its initial location in Fajardo to Guaynabo and Carolina, cementing its place as a rising culinary brand in Puerto Rico.

In 2024, Christian López took a major strategic step by joining forces with Rafael Alvarez, CFE—CEO and Founder of Latinx Franchise Brands and a pioneer in Latino franchising in the United States. This collaboration marked a pivotal moment for BUTAQUE, initiating its expansion into the U.S. and international markets.

As part of this partnership, Latinx Franchise Brands will begin launching new BUTAQUE locations in key growth markets throughout 2025, with initial openings planned in the New York Metropolitan Area and the State of Florida. This expansion effort aims to introduce the brand’s distinctive Tex-Mex-Puerto Rican flavor profile to a broader, multicultural audience.

Christian López’s forward-thinking leadership and commitment to quality continue to position BUTAQUE as a franchise brand to watch—both in the Latino business community and within the broader global foodservice industry.

MISSION

At BUTAQUE Tex-Mex Restaurants, our mission is to deliver an unforgettable Tex-Mex dining experience that blends bold flavors, vibrant culture, and exceptional service. We are committed to bringing families and communities together over fresh, affordable, and crave-worthy meals — while empowering entrepreneurs through a scalable, franchise-friendly business model rooted in authenticity and operational excellence.

VISSION

To become the leading Latino-owned Tex-Mex restaurant franchise in The United States, Puerto Rico and beyond — celebrated for our flavorful cuisine, inclusive culture, and commitment to franchisee success. We envision BUTAQUE as a household name in the casual dining space, serving as a bridge between culinary tradition and modern entrepreneurship across diverse communities.

CORE VALUES

Authentic Flavor, Every Time
We honor the culinary traditions that inspire our menu by using high-quality ingredients and consistent preparation techniques that showcase the essence of Tex-Mex.
Entrepreneurial Empowerment
We provide franchisees with the tools, training, and support they need to thrive — fostering a network of independent operators who reflect the spirit of ownership and opportunity. Proudly Latino-owned, we celebrate and share our heritage through our food, service, and community presence.
Guest-Centered Experience
We prioritize the satisfaction and loyalty of every guest by delivering attentive service, flavorful meals, and a welcoming environment.
Integrity & Transparency
In our operations, partnerships, and franchising relationships, we lead with honesty, fairness, and mutual respect.

OUR TEAM

Over 150 Years of Combined Franchise Experience

Christian Lopez

CEO & Founder

Ricardo Rivera, CFE

VP of Operations in Puerto Rico

Rafael Alvarez, CFE

Chief Operating Officer

Ivan Jimenez

Vice President of Finance

Elani Alvarez

Comptroller

Barry Knepper, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

Clem Yeboah, CPA

Executive Vice President

Richard Santos

Chief Technology Officer

Kiani Alvarez

Chief Marketing Officer

Barima Yeboah

VP of Franchise Development

Roberto Lizardo

VP of Franchise Sales

Victor Morisete

Chief Legal Officer

Behind Every Success is a Dedicated Team

READY TO GET STARTED

Please complete and submit the initial inquiry form below, and a member of our franchise development team will contact you with more information about acquiring a franchise. If you wish, we can also arrange an in-person meeting, store visits, or the opportunity to clarify any questions you may have.

Country

We are looking for driven individuals like you who are ready to flourish alongside us. When you join our franchise, you become a cherished member of our flourishing family in the Tex-Mex Restaurant industry. If you're aspiring to become a successful business owner, our franchise is the path to do it.

Seize this great franchise opportunity and embark on a journey of growth and prosperity with BUTAQUE Tex-Mex Restaurant Franchise.