2015
5
$197,400
$29,900
$355,900
No
Blue Margaritas is a family-owned Mexican restaurant chain that offers authentic, traditional Mexican dishes in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Founded in 2015 by Ricardo Martínez Maciel in Peoria, Illinois, the brand was inspired by his late father, Mauricio Martínez Sr., who dreamed of opening a Mexican restaurant with his children. Today, Blue Margaritas honors that legacy by serving a diverse menu that includes chips and salsa, steak fajitas, taco salads, and the signature Blue Margarita made with a proprietary blend.
Since its inception, Blue Margaritas has expanded to multiple locations across Illinois and began franchising in 2021. The brand's commitment to quality food and exceptional service has garnered a loyal customer base, positioning it as a promising opportunity for potential franchisees in the U.S. market.
Authentic Brand Story: Rooted in a heartfelt family legacy, Blue Margaritas offers a unique narrative that resonates with customers and franchisees alike.
Proven Business Model: With a growing number of corporate locations and a structured franchise system, Blue Margaritas provides a tested and scalable business model.
Strong Market Demand: The fast-casual Mexican dining sector continues to thrive, driven by consumer preference for flavorful and convenient dining options.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support, ensuring they are equipped to succeed in the competitive restaurant industry.
Founding and Inspiration
Blue Margaritas was founded in 2015 by Ricardo Martínez Maciel in Peoria, Illinois. The concept was inspired by his late father, Mauricio Martínez Sr., who had dreamed of opening a Mexican restaurant with his children. Although he passed away before realizing this dream, Ricardo honored his father's legacy by establishing Blue Margaritas, a family-owned business that offers authentic Mexican cuisine in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
Company Growth and Franchising
Since its inception, Blue Margaritas has expanded to multiple corporate-owned locations across Illinois. In 2021, the company began franchising to extend its reach and share its unique dining experience with a broader audience. As of 2024, Blue Margaritas operates five corporate locations and is actively seeking franchise partners to join its growing network.
Franchise Model and Support
Blue Margaritas offers a comprehensive franchise model that includes pre-launch assistance, training, and ongoing support to ensure the success of its franchisees. The brand specializes in traditional Mexican dishes, including chips and salsa, steak fajitas, taco salads, and its signature blue margarita made with a proprietary blend.
Community and Culture
The brand prides itself on being more than just another food chain; it is a real family business with deep roots and a welcoming atmosphere. Blue Margaritas is committed to honoring its founder's legacy and contributing to the communities it serves by offering high-quality food and exceptional service.
Headquarters
The corporate headquarters of Blue Margaritas is located at 4707 N. Woodview Ave., Peoria, IL 61614.
Blue Margaritas offers a comprehensive support and training program designed to equip franchisees with the knowledge and tools necessary for success.
Franchisees undergo a structured training program that includes:
Classroom Training: 13 hours of instruction covering marketing, advertising, and operational procedures.
On-the-Job Training: 49 hours of hands-on experience focusing on opening and closing procedures, ingredient handling, and menu preparation.
Blue Margaritas provides continuous support throughout the franchise relationship, including:
Grand Opening Assistance: Support during the launch phase to ensure a successful opening.
Online Support: Access to resources and guidance through an intranet platform.
Lease Negotiation: Assistance in securing and negotiating lease agreements.
Field Operations: Ongoing operational support to maintain brand standards.
Site Selection: Guidance in choosing optimal locations for new units.
Marketing Support: Assistance with regional advertising, social media strategies, website development, email marketing, and loyalty programs.
This comprehensive training and support system ensures that franchisees are well-prepared to operate their Blue Margaritas locations successfully.
The ideal Blue Margaritas franchisee is:
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Motivated individuals with a passion for the restaurant industry and a desire to own and operate a business.
Business Acumen: Strong leadership skills, financial management capabilities, and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.
Community-Oriented: Individuals who value community engagement and are eager to become active participants in their local markets.
Investment Capacity: Ability to meet the financial requirements for franchise ownership.
No prior restaurant experience is required, as Blue Margaritas provides comprehensive training and support to ensure franchisee success.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $29,900 |
| Total Initial Investment | $197,400 – $355,900 |
| Royalty Fee | 3.5% of gross sales for the first year; 5% thereafter |
| Advertising Fee | 1% of gross sales |
| Net Worth Requirement | $29,900 |
| Cash Requirement | $29,900 |
| Franchise Term | 10 years |
| Renewal Option | Yes |
