Nestled in a bustling corner of Mobile, Alabama, something remarkable has been simmering since 2017. Frankie Little, a passionate food-lover with a knack for creativity and a deep respect for community, opened the doors to Roosters set on one thing— to deliver a trendsetting menu and unforgettable concept to the Mobile community. Little had a vision to bring something new to downtown Mobile; he would concoct a Latin-inspired concept that blended fresh flavors with a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere.
Having spent time in Austin, Texas, and traveling around Central America, Little developed a deep appreciation for Latin and Caribbean cuisine. He had worked at several downtown bars and restaurants for years, and he knew that if anyone was going to fill the need for Latin fare in Mobile, it could be him. The restaurateur’s love for good food, combined with an uncompromising entrepreneurial spirit and customer-first approach, led to the birth of Roosters.
Now, he is taking Roosters to the next level. The company is offering franchise opportunities to entrepreneurs ready to bring its bold Mexican-Caribbean concept to new areas throughout the U.S. Initially the company will focus on expansion within driving distance of its Mobile headquarters, targeting the Gulf Coast region—from the Florida Panhandle to western Louisiana.
“It was always in the back of my mind,” Little says of franchising. “From day one, I designed Roosters to be easily replicable, but I needed to make sure it was the right time, with the right momentum. After the pandemic reshuffled everything in 2020, I realized just how strong our foundation was and how many people could benefit from growing with Roosters.”
And grown it has. Roosters has become a culinary mainstay in Mobile, known for its fresh flavors, charitable contributions, and lively events. Its crowd-pleasing menu and its unwavering philosophy rooted in human connection eventually caught the eye of Food Network’s national sensation, Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, earning the brand well-deserved national attention.
“We’re not just in the food service business—we’re in the feel-good human experience business,” says Frankie. “When someone walks through our doors, we want them to feel seen, special, and a little surprised in the best way possible.”
That same feel-good energy extends into the Roosters kitchen. The menu is a celebration of island heat and Latin soul, all layered with a dash of Southern charm.
For instance, the Caribbean Jerk Chicken Plate, a signature offering that delivers a craveable combination of spice, sweetness, and smoke, is one of the brand’s most sought-after items. Served with Spanish rice, black beans, sweet plantains, and Roosters’ bold habanero BBQ sauce, it’s a dish that holds its own within the Roosters menu.
Then there’s the creation that earned its place in the national spotlight on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives—the Surf & Turf Burrito. Packed with grilled Gulf shrimp, tender barbacoa brisket, Spanish rice, guacamole, pico de gallo, and chipotle cream, the burrito doesn’t stop there. It’s crowned with a blanket of queso blanco and sprinkled with crispy chorizo for a one-of-a-kind flavor bomb that’s as Instagrammable as it is satisfying.
And, although Roosters certainly has proven its place as a master of trendsetting menu items, the heart of its drive goes deeper. The franchise seeks to be a community hub, a source of pride, and a way to build something lasting.
“Everyone whose life intersects with Roosters—whether it’s a guest, an employee, a vendor, or a franchisee—should be better off because of it,” Frankie affirms. “That’s our responsibility. That’s our promise.”
Frankie’s approach to franchising echoes this philosophy. He and his team are hands-on and work to establish a partnership that is deeply rooted in mentorship.
“I’m not just selling a business model—I’m showing people what it means to lead, to create culture, and to make a real impact,” he explains. “Our franchisees will get support in everything: site selection, training, operations, team building. I’m in this to help people succeed.”
As Roosters begins its next chapter, one thing is clear: this isn’t just a franchise. It’s a movement rooted in unexpected flavor, genuine hospitality, and the unshakable belief that food can bring people together in powerful ways.
Learn more about Roosters and its franchise opportunity by visiting www.roostersdowntown.com or www.roostersfranchise.com.