2000
50
$150,000
$35,000
$830,000
No
Barberitos is a fast-casual Tex-Mex restaurant chain that offers fresh, made-to-order burritos, tacos, bowls, and salads. Founded in 2000 by Downing Barber in Athens, Georgia, the brand has grown to over 50 locations across the Southeastern United States. Barberitos is known for its commitment to quality ingredients, customizable menu options, and a vibrant dining experience. In 2022, Barberitos was acquired by WOWorks, a leading better-for-you restaurant platform, further accelerating its growth and brand presence.
Proven Business Model: With over two decades of operation and a strong brand presence, Barberitos offers a tested and scalable business model.
Growing Market Demand: The fast-casual dining sector continues to expand, with consumers seeking healthier, customizable meal options.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training, marketing support, and operational guidance to ensure success.
Brand Recognition: As part of the WOWorks portfolio, Barberitos benefits from enhanced marketing resources and a broader customer base.
Franchise Units: Over 50 locations across seven Southeastern U.S. states.
Founders: Downing Barber
Brand Journey: The first Barberitos restaurant opened in downtown Athens, Georgia, offering fresh, made-to-order meals inspired by Southwestern cuisine. The brand began franchising in 2002, expanding its reach across the Southeastern U.S.
Company History: Founded in 2000, Barberitos has grown from a single location to a regional chain with over 50 units. In 2022, the company was acquired by WOWorks, joining a portfolio of better-for-you restaurant brands.Ownership: Privately held under the WOWorks umbrella.
Market Presence in USA: Strong presence in the Southeastern United States, with plans for continued expansion.
Industry Category: Fast-Casual Dining, Tex-Mex Cuisine
Barberitos provides a comprehensive support system designed to guide franchisees from the very beginning and help them run a profitable, efficient, and brand-consistent operation. Their support covers pre-launch, operational, marketing, academic, and ongoing assistance:
Before your restaurant opens, Barberitos ensures you are fully prepared to start operations successfully:
Site Selection Assistance: Expert guidance on choosing the best location based on demographics, traffic, and competition.
Lease Negotiation: Help in negotiating favorable lease terms to minimize financial risk.
Restaurant Design & Layout: Assistance with interior design, kitchen setup, and seating layout to maximize customer flow and operational efficiency.
Licensing & Permits: Guidance to ensure all local health, safety, and business licenses are secured.
Barberitos provides a structured training program for franchisees and their staff:
Classroom Training: Covers brand philosophy, operational procedures, menu preparation, customer service, and employee management.
On-the-Job Training: Hands-on experience in an existing Barberitos location, including kitchen operations, food preparation, and point-of-sale system training.
Duration: Approximately 138 hours total — 42 hours classroom + 96 hours on-the-job training.
Focus Areas: Food safety, portion control, quality standards, inventory management, and team leadership.
After launch, franchisees continue to receive guidance to optimize daily operations:
Inventory Management: Assistance with ordering, stock control, and supplier relationships.
Staffing & Training: Help in recruiting, hiring, and training employees for optimal performance.
Quality Control: Regular audits to ensure menu consistency and adherence to brand standards.
Operational Guidance: On-site visits and remote support to address challenges and improve efficiency.
Barberitos provides marketing support to drive traffic and build brand awareness:
National Campaigns: Access to company-wide advertising and PR efforts.
Local Marketing: Tools and guidance for community engagement, social media, and promotions tailored to your location.
Promotional Materials: Ready-to-use graphics, posters, and digital content for in-store and online marketing.
Digital Support: Assistance with online ordering, delivery platforms, and website integration.
Point-of-Sale (POS) System: Proprietary system for order management, reporting, and sales tracking.
Operational Tools: Software for inventory, labor scheduling, and analytics to optimize performance.
Ongoing Updates: Regular updates to tools, menus, and systems to keep the brand competitive.
Field Visits: Regional franchise consultants regularly visit locations to ensure operations meet Barberitos standards.
Performance Guidance: Recommendations for boosting sales, improving customer experience, and increasing profitability.
Community & Network: Access to other franchisees for knowledge sharing, best practices, and problem-solving.
Barberitos is looking for franchisees who not only have the financial ability to invest but also share a passion for food, customer service, and business growth. The ideal franchisee embodies a mix of entrepreneurial spirit, operational aptitude, and dedication to the brand.
Passionate About the Food Industry: They should have a genuine interest in running a restaurant and delivering high-quality, fresh, customizable Tex-Mex meals.
Motivated & Self-Driven: The ideal franchisee is proactive in managing daily operations, seeking opportunities to grow revenue, and solving problems efficiently.
Growth-Oriented: Open to scaling operations through multiple units or territories over time.
Commitment to Service: Must prioritize excellent customer experiences, including friendly service, fast delivery, and maintaining a clean, welcoming environment.
Community Engagement: Interested in promoting the brand locally and participating in community initiatives, events, and marketing campaigns.
Investment Ready: Able to cover the total investment required, including franchise fees, infrastructure, working capital, and marketing costs.
Risk-Tolerant: Prepared to handle the normal business risks associated with opening and running a restaurant.
Responsible with Finances: Can manage cash flow, labor costs, and operational budgets effectively.
Management Background: Previous experience in managing a business, restaurant, or retail operation is preferred but not mandatory.
Team Leadership: Capable of recruiting, training, and managing staff while fostering a positive work environment.
Operational Focus: Ability to follow systems and procedures while maintaining brand standards.
Geographically Flexible: While Barberitos has a strong presence in the Southeastern U.S., franchisees should be willing to operate in target markets with growth potential.
Community-Oriented: Ideally, franchisees are local or committed to understanding the culture and demographics of the location to maximize market penetration.
Integrity & Reliability: High ethical standards, accountability, and professionalism.
Adaptability: Willingness to learn, embrace the brand’s operational methods, and adapt to market trends.
Passionate About Growth: Eager to participate in marketing, promotions, and local engagement to expand the brand’s footprint.
| Financial Item | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $521,000 – $830,000 (varies by location, size, and leasehold improvements) |
| Minimum Investment Required | Approximately $150,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out | Varies based on location, design, and construction costs |
| Marketing Budget | 3% of monthly gross sales |
| Working Capital | Approximately $50,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 6% of gross sales |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location and market performance |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 18 – 24 months |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout, catering services, third-party delivery platforms |
| Franchise Units (USA) | Over 50 locations |
Notes for Investors:
The total investment includes franchise fee, equipment, leasehold improvements, initial inventory, and pre-opening expenses.
ROI and break-even timelines depend on location traffic, operational efficiency, and local market conditions.
Marketing fees are used for national campaigns, local marketing support, and promotional initiatives.
