Mike Karns, a Dallas native, is an accomplished businessman and leader in the real estate & hospitality industries. He is the sole owner of Local Favorite Restaurants’ and has extensive expertise in real estate in which he also directs the operations of sister companies, Triton Commercial Real Estate, LLC and Karns Commercial Real Estate, Inc.
His real estate and hospitality experience began with his time as Director of Real Estate for CiCi’s Pizza. Beginning with 12 local restaurants, Karns expanded CiCi’s Pizza into a national brand with close to 400 locations. Through his companies Karns owns more than 12 restaurants with the purpose of being the #1 Hospitality Career Opportunity in the nation.
In 1993, Karns formed Karns Commercial Real Estate (KCRE), focusing on the acquisition and development of retail and office properties that span multiple states, and has developed and invested in real estate for more than two decades. He purchased El Fenix Corporation in 2008 as part of his “real estate driven restaurant operation company” vision, and added Snuffer’s Restaurant & Bar to his restaurant portfolio in 2013 and another local favorite, Village Burger Bar in 2017. Karns also created original restaurant concepts Meso Maya, Taqueria La Ventana, Tulum and has grown to over 55 locations in DFW.
His restaurants include a signature collection of award-winning concepts which have become the local favorite restaurants of choice in so much of the greater DFW area. It includes some of the city’s most loved restaurants including El Fenix and Snuffer's Restaurant & Bar.
Karns is an active member of the World Presidents’ Organization as well as other elite groups including Stagen Leadership Institute, Tiger 21 and is a long time student of Strategic Coach and its masters program. He was recognized as an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2015. He also been inducted into the Richardson High School Hall of Fame and recognized as a distinguished alumni at his alma mater, Stephen F. Austin University.
In addition to being a recognized leader in the real estate and restaurant industries, Karns and his companies and employees have been long-time supporters of local and national non-profit groups, including The North Texas Food Bank, The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, JDRF Dallas, American Heart Association, The United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and charity: water. His dynamic contributions have made a significant difference throughout the Dallas community and worldwide.
He is a lover of music, art, and all things on two wheels & devoted father to his two-children.
