The burrito franchise has been on the rise in the United States. What was once a single item on the menu of big chain restaurants has branched off into its own niche, with burrito franchises diving into the rich and bold flavors, offering people a wider variety than simply ground beef and chicken.
As the demand for burrito franchises grows, investors and entrepreneurs are taking note and realizing their revenue and portfolios stand to benefit from investing. In this article, we will take a look at the rise of the burrito franchise in the United States, as well as burrito franchise opportunities and how they compare – not only in today’s market, but also their growth potential a decade down the line.
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The Market Speaks and Entrepreneurs Respond
Two major shifts occurred in the franchise industry that opened the door for burrito franchises to gain momentum.
The Freshest Ingredients
First, Americans started demanding fresher ingredients in their meals. While some of the big players in the burrito franchise market are still using processed ingredients, frozen products, and microwaves to heat meals for patrons, people are taking their money elsewhere. They want food made with ingredients they can identify by sight, smell, texture, and – most of all – taste. Using the freshest ingredients draws people, who are willing to open their wallets knowing they are getting food that is prepared to their order, right there in the kitchen.
Rising Popularity
Second, people in the United States love Mexican, Latin-inspired, and Tex-Mex cuisine. Love may be an understatement, because Latin and Mexican cuisine have surpassed Italian food, thought of as the go-to cuisine in the United States for the longest time. More people are craving and seeking out new experiences that offer the bold, adventurous eating experiences that a burrito franchise can offer.
Combine fresh ingredients and growing popularity, and the right burrito franchise is poised for growing ROI in the eyes of both investors and potential business owners.
Why Is a Burrito Franchise a Smart Investment?
A burrito franchise, at its heart, has the makings to be a great investment. They feature:
- Turn-Key Functionality: The franchise business model is simple and designed to apply everywhere from Los Angeles to Chicago to Weehawken, NJ, and everywhere in between. Basic training allows franchise owners to maintain positive cash flow and grow their operations.
- Low Overhead: Compared to larger restaurant chains that manage multiple inventory and ordering options, a burrito franchise has a more streamlined overhead, making it easier to track pricing and maintain profit margins.
- Market Growth: The market for burrito franchises is projected to grow over the next decade. Investing allows entrepreneurs to carve out a larger share of the market before the landscape becomes too congested.
- Returns: Some burrito franchise opportunities have blended authentic flavor with hard data, allowing franchisees to maximize revenue for their operations, right down to the individual order.
The Best Burrito Franchises for Investors and Entrepreneurs
Choosing the best burrito fast casual franchise takes research, speaking with the franchise team, knowing the initial cost, the territory, and understanding growth potential to maximize ROI. There are some of the top burrito franchise opportunities available:
Ori’Zaba’s Scratch Mexican Grill
Ori’Zaba’s Scratch Mexican Grill stands apart from the competition by offering bold, robust flavor combinations using only the freshest ingredients, made to order. You will not find microwaves or freezers in their establishments, and they are expanding their territory to give the people what they crave. Veteran-founded, Ori’Zaba’s offers a franchise fee discount to veterans so they have a wrap franchise opportunity that is poised for growing returns.
- Burrito Franchise Cost: $413K to $850K
- Training and Support: Comprehensive hands-on training, station certification, and support from pre-launch to the grand opening, and beyond
- Marketing: Strategic marketing for all locations as well as within regions to build up presence for individual establishments
- Availability: Yes and ready to grow into new regions.
Cafe Rio
Cafe Rio was started about 25 years ago, and has been slowly expanding its operations since the early-2000s. The company offers customers a variety of Mexican and Mexican-inspired dishes, with a big focus on customer service at all levels.
- Burrito Franchise Cost: $660K to $1.2M
- Training and Support: Initial and ongoing support
- Marketing: General branding and marketing
- Availability: Cafe Rio currently operates in 11 states and 149 locations, with more locations available.
Qdoba
Qdoba specializes in fast casual Mexican food. Qdoba requires that Designated Officers have a minimum of three years of experience with multi-unit franchise operations in the casual dining or QSR market.
- Burrito Franchise Cost: Up to $1.1M excluding real estate and liquor licenses
- Training and Support: 315 hours plus mandatory refresher courses
- Marketing: National
- Availability: Qdoba chooses locations and will grant territory within a specified radius to franchisees who meet their requirements.
Ready to Invest in a Burrito Franchise?
A burrito franchise is a sound investment that is supported by current data, as well as projections for the next decade or more. Between rising popularity throughout the United States, low overhead, and potential ROI, investing in a burrito franchise is a savvy move for investors and emerging entrepreneurs alike. If you’re looking to invest in a Mexican food franchise, a burrito franchise offers a unique opportunity to capitalize on growing demand in this thriving market. That said, not all burrito franchises are the same, and taking the time to do your research, weighing the investment cost vs. return potential, and talking with franchising teams will help you choose the right fit for your portfolio and revenue goals.
To learn more about burrito franchise opportunities with Ori’Zaba’s Scratch Mexican Grill, visit our site or contact our franchising team at 720-817-9326 today!