10 Mexican Food Franchise Options You Much Check Out

IBISWorld reports a 2.4 percent increase in Mexican restaurants in the USA, totaling an estimated 48,207 in 2022. Who doesn’t love the taste of spicy quesadillas and creamy burritos? It’s no surprise that more and more people are looking for the best Mexican food franchise. Here are the top 10 options you can check out. 

1. El Pollo Loco

Supplying the freshest ingredients in its Mexican dishes, El Pollo Loco offers authentic Mexican food. The team behind El Pollo Loco believes that good food nourishes the soul. Good food goes beyond just feeding people’s hungry stomachs. The team believes good food connects them to something larger than themselves and brings people together. Dining in El Pollo Loco means food is served with love, time, and quality and will make you feel like family. 

Estimated initial investment: $500,000 to $1.1 million

2. Taco Bell

Everyone knows Taco Bell since it’s the leading Mexican-style restaurant chain in the United States. It serves over two billion consumers yearly and has over 5,800 restaurants in the U.S. Taco Bell has been progressing rapidly in the past couple of years, with more than 200 new locations opening each year. Taco Bell is a good option if you’re looking for an affordable Mexican fast-food chain. They offer 20 different items at a dollar each. 

Estimated initial investment: $1.1 million to $2.6 million

3. Moe’s Southwest Grill

Moe’s Southwest Grill takes pride in caring for its community. This is their way of helping the communities thrive and survive during uncertain times. This means consumers will be proud knowing that their money goes back to the community and for the better good. Moe’s has opened 325 new locations in the past five years. 

Estimated initial investment: $446,035

4. America’s Taco Shop

America’s Taco Shop reassures consumers of delicious Mexican food. The team ensures recipes are similar to what American families have perfected in their kitchens for years. America’s Taco Shop believes that fresh, real, and authentic Mexican food brings more loyal customers. Simply put, the team boasts an unparalleled passion for bringing consumers Mexican dishes. 

Estimated initial investment: $252,350 to $711,250

5. Qdoba Mexican Eats

Qdoba Mexican Eats brings consumers Mexican-inspired food infused with contemporary flavors. Qdoba claims that good food always starts with fresh ingredients prepared with love and passion. Walking into any Qdoba Mexican Eats branch means you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome from their crew. Plus, Qdoba promotes sustainability in its operation, using compostable bowls, brown paper bags, recyclable cutlery, and strawless drink lids, making them one of the best Mexican food franchise options to consider. 

Estimated initial investment: $252,000 to $1,096,700

6. Del Taco Fresh Mexican Grill 

If you’re craving Mexican infused with American cuisine, Del Taco Fresh Mexican Grill is your best bet. Del Taco has been serving Mexican dishes since its inception in 1964. It started offering franchising options in 1967 and now has around 600 locations in the United States. Del Taco’s nacho cheese and Queso Blanco are the most popular items on the menu. It’s so popular that they created a whole Queso menu only. 

Estimated initial investment: $859,700

7. Taco John’s

Taco John’s is a West-Mex Mexican-inspired fast food chain. Taco John’s and Taco Bell go neck and neck when it comes to Mexican fast food restaurants in the United States. However, Taco John’s boasts their signature menu called Potato Olés. These are yummy deep-fried potato nuggets served with or without creamy nacho cheese. 

Estimated initial investment: $1,057,000

8. Costa Vida

If there’s one thing on the menu that Costa Vida brags about, it’s their nutty and creamy avocados from Michoacán, Mexico. Costa Vida ensures perfect and digestible portions, measured at two to four ounces. This way, consumers will feel satiated enough without feeling like napping after an overly full stomach. The restaurant also serves wholesome and whole ingredients that anyone can pronounce—even your two-year-olds!

Estimated initial investment: $553,500 to $1,069,000

9. TacoTime

TacoTime offers freshly-prepared, home-style Mexican food. This quick-service restaurant chain is one-of-a-kind as they take the ingredients and preparations with care. Unlike other Mexican restaurants that cut corners, TacoTime ensures that every dish is perfectly prepared, considering every minute detail. Their bestsellers are the world-famous Crisp Burritos and Mexi-Fries. TacoTime also has vegetarian options if you want something light and healthy. 

Estimated initial investment: $144,650

10. Pancheros Mexican Grill

Pancheros Mexican Grill serves the finest ingredients with perfectly mixed bites dishes. The restaurant’s fresh-pressed tortillas are a must-try. Pancheros Mexican Grill is a fast-casual Tex-Mex restaurant chain in the United States. And if you want the freshest food, this is the place to go, as Pancheros is known for making tortillas on-site when the order is placed. 

Estimated initial investment: $460,000 to $1 million

Conclusion

Looking for the best Mexican food franchise is a brilliant and lucrative idea. If you want to make money in the food industry, serving Mexican cuisine in the U.S. will make it worth your while. Check out each restaurant’s website for further franchising information.