Grupo Afal is a family-owned company with the largest franchisee of Carl’s Jr. in Northwestern Mexico. The company sought to expand its portfolio by creating and operating its own, unique fast casual concept designed to scale across Northwestern Mexico. Inspired by the artisanal sandwich trend that had swept across the US, Grupo Afal envisioned pioneering the sandwich revolution in Mexico.

TCE worked closely with Grupo Afal to hone their vision, visiting sandwich concepts throughout the US and Mexico, and proposed three conceptual gourmet sandwich concepts that were tailored to Northwestern Mexican audiences and appetites. Grupo Afal chose to move forward with the “gastro-deli” concept that celebrated the art of fine sandwich making by applying craft, creativity, and premium ingredients to create sandwich masterpieces.

WildCypress, featuring expertly crafted sandwiches, salads, soups and homemade snacks, ice cream sandwiches and beverages, opened in Tijuana in Fall 2017. TCE and Grupo Afal are also at work developing a full service bistro concept, set to open in Tijuana in late 2018.