Kokopelli says there will eventually be 10 restaurants open in the greater Detroit market as well as one each in East Lansing and Ann Arbor, near Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, respectively. The greater Detroit locations will include restaurants in Plymouth, Livonia, Royal Oak, Novi, Sterling Heights, Rochester and others. The first locations have been chosen and the developer plans to open two to three Kokopelli Sonoran Grills per year.

Kokopelli was founded in Phoenix in 1997 and differentiates itself from other fast-casual chains by serving authentic, hand-blended Sonoran spices, made-to-order big burritos, tacos, fajitas and other Sonoran favorites on a dine-in and take-out service in high volume retail centers and other high traffic commercial locations throughout the United States.

"As a former Michigander it is very exciting for me to see Kokopelli enter the Michigan market," said Ed Heisler, CEO of Franchise Capital Corp., who brokered the deal. "This latest sale of 12 franchises in Michigan reflects Kokopelli's goal to reach all the corners of the country."