2005
1500
$431,620
$25,000
$773,200
No
Barrio Burrito Bar is a vibrant, fast-casual Mexican eatery delivering bold, fresh flavors with a street-style edge. Known for its customizable burritos, bowls, tacos, and fresh margaritas, Barrio offers a high-energy dining experience with colorful interiors and urban vibes. Franchisees can tap into a proven model designed for high customer engagement and strong unit economics.
Explosive Growth: With over 1,170 committed units across 18+ U.S. states, Barrio Burrito Bar is rapidly expanding its footprint. Recent master franchise agreements in states like North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Alabama underscore the brand's aggressive growth strategy.
Recession-Resilient Model: Tex-Mex cuisine, known for its bold flavors and customizable options, ensures steady customer demand, even during economic downturns.
No Experience Needed: Barrio Burrito Bar provides comprehensive training and support, making it accessible for entrepreneurs without prior QSR experience.
High-Margin Menu: The brand's menu, featuring items like Bang-Bang Shrimp and Extreme Fries, offers high-profit margins, contributing to a favorable return on investment.
Established Year: 2005
Original Brand Name: barBURRITO Fresh Mexican Grill
Rebranded to: Barrio Burrito Bar in 2024
Founder & CEO: Alex Shtein
Headquarters: North York, Ontario, Canada
Parent Company: BurritoBar USA Inc.
Franchising Since: 2009
Industry Category: Fast-Casual Mexican Cuisine
U.S. Market Entry: 2020 (as BURRITObar)
Current U.S. Presence: Over 1,500 committed franchise units across 19 states
International Expansion: Master franchise agreements in Punjab (India) and the UAE
Barrio Burrito Bar originated in Toronto, Canada, in 2005, under the name barBURRITO Fresh Mexican Grill. The brand quickly gained popularity for its commitment to fresh, made-to-order Tex-Mex cuisine. In 2020, the company expanded into the U.S. market under the name BURRITObar. To strengthen its brand identity and appeal to a broader audience, the company rebranded to Barrio Burrito Bar in 2024 .
The rebranding aimed to create a more memorable and distinctive identity, aligning with the company's vision of offering a vibrant and modern dining experience. This strategic move has positioned Barrio Burrito Bar as a leading player in the fast-casual Mexican dining sector, known for its customizable menu and commitment to quality.
The company is led by founder and CEO Alex Shtein, who has been instrumental in the brand's growth and expansion. Under his leadership, Barrio Burrito Bar has transitioned from a single-location operation to a rapidly expanding franchise with a significant presence in North America and international markets.
BurritoBar USA Inc., the parent company, oversees the brand's operations in the United States, managing franchise development, support, and marketing strategies. The company has demonstrated a strong commitment to its franchise partners, offering comprehensive support to ensure their success.
Since entering the U.S. market in 2020, Barrio Burrito Bar has experienced rapid growth, with over 1,500 committed franchise units across 19 states. This expansion is driven by master franchise agreements in key regions, including North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Western New York, Alabama, and South Carolina.
The brand's growth strategy focuses on both secondary and tertiary markets, utilizing smaller storefronts ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 square feet. This approach reduces the total investment for franchisees while maintaining operational efficiency.
In addition to its U.S. expansion, Barrio Burrito Bar has awarded master franchise rights in international markets, including the state of Punjab in India and the United Arab Emirates. These agreements signify the brand's commitment to global growth and its ability to adapt to diverse markets.
Barrio Burrito Bar offers a vibrant and customizable menu that includes burritos, tacos, bowls, and quesadillas, made with high-quality ingredients and a variety of protein options such as Bang Bang Shrimp and Crunchy Chicken. This flexible menu appeals to a wide audience seeking both flavor and speed in their dining experience .
The brand's commitment to innovation is evident in its 2024 rebranding effort, which ushered in a refreshed look and customer experience designed to resonate with modern consumers. This forward-thinking approach has helped Barrio Burrito Bar maintain its position as a leader in the fast-casual dining sector.
Barrio Burrito Bar's journey from a single-location restaurant in Toronto to an internationally recognized franchise is a testament to its strong leadership, innovative approach, and commitment to quality. As the brand continues to expand, it remains dedicated to providing exceptional dining experiences and supporting its franchise partners in achieving success.
Pre-Launch Support:
Assistance with site selection and lease negotiation
Comprehensive training programs, including 88 hours of on-the-job and 32 hours of classroom training
Guidance on store design and layout
Operational Support:
Ongoing operational training and field support
Access to proprietary software for efficient operations
Regular performance evaluations and feedback
Marketing Support:
National and regional advertising campaigns
Local store marketing strategies
Grand opening support to drive initial traffic
Technology Support:
Training on point-of-sale (POS) systems and kiosk ordering
Integration with digital ordering platforms
Barrio seeks passionate, business-savvy individuals who:
Have previous restaurant or retail management experience (preferred)
Can lead a team with enthusiasm and local community engagement
Are committed to upholding brand standards and delivering excellent customer service
Have strong financial qualifications to support startup and operations
Multi-unit investors and area developers are welcome.
| Investment Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $25,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $193,000 – $281,000 |
| Pre-Opening Rent | $12,000 – $48,000 |
| Training Expenses | $9,000 – $12,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment | $98,000 – $125,000 |
| Kiosk Ordering System | $13,000 – $20,000 |
| Design & Architectural Fees | $15,000 – $19,000 |
| Signage | $8,500 – $22,500 |
| POS & Technology Systems | $3,620 – $3,800 |
| Security & Communications Systems | $300 – $2,700 |
| Licenses & Permits | $4,000 – $9,500 |
| Liquor License | $0 – $100,000 |
| Uniforms | $1,200 |
| Miscellaneous Development Fees | $10,000 – $40,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $6,000 – $7,500 |
| Pre-Paid Insurance | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Additional Working Capital (3 months) | $32,000 – $54,000 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | $431,620 – $773,200 |
