Established
2015
Franchise Units
16
Minimum Investment
$370,225
Franchise Fee
$45,000
Total Investment Range
$928,500
Home Based
No
Description
Burrito Shak is a fast-casual restaurant franchise that offers a vibrant coastal dining experience with a menu inspired by Baja-style cuisine. Founded in 2015 by Chef David Longo and his wife Kara, the brand has grown from a single location in Hampstead, North Carolina, to multiple units across North Carolina and Arizona. Known for its fresh ingredients, chef-inspired recipes, and a fun, beachy atmosphere, Burrito Shak has garnered a loyal customer base and is poised for further expansion.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
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Proven Concept: Burrito Shak has demonstrated consistent growth and customer loyalty, making it a promising investment opportunity.
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Unique Brand Identity: The coastal theme and Baja-inspired menu set Burrito Shak apart in the competitive fast-casual dining market.
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Supportive Franchise System: Franchisees receive comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure success.
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Community Engagement: The brand emphasizes community involvement, creating a strong local presence for each franchise.
Background
Burrito Shak franchise proves that a strong franchise idea does not need to be complicated. Founded by David Longo in 2015, the brand was built around a simple vision: serving flavorful, affordable food in a fast, family-friendly setting. Inspired by life near the North Carolina coast, Burrito Shak developed its “Quick. Crafted. Coastal.” concept—blending fresh Baja-style menu offerings with a relaxed, beach-inspired atmosphere. The flagship location opened in Hampstead, North Carolina, and the brand continues to position itself as a community-driven fast-casual dining concept.
For franchise candidates, Burrito Shak offers a structured restaurant model with strong operational support and financing advantages. The franchise fee is $45,000, and qualified candidates are expected to have a minimum of $100,000 in liquid capital. The brand is also listed on the SBA Registry, which can help streamline lending approvals through participating financial institutions—making it more accessible for new franchisees.
Additionally, Burrito Shak is committed to supporting veteran entrepreneurs. As part of the VetFran program, the brand offers incentives such as discounts on the franchise fee and mentorship opportunities for qualified veterans.
Founded: 2015
First Franchise Opened: 2018
Franchise Units: 16
Headquarters: Surf City, North Carolina, 28443
Canada Availability: No
International Availability: No
Absentee Ownership: No
Home-Based / Mobile: No
Exclusive Territory: Yes
Third-Party Financing: Yes
Support Training
Burrito Shak offers a comprehensive support system for its franchisees:
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Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, and restaurant design to ensure optimal location and layout.
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Training: A structured training program covering operations, customer service, food preparation, and management practices.
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Marketing Support: Guidance on local marketing strategies, promotional campaigns, and brand-building efforts to attract and retain customers.
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Ongoing Assistance: Continuous support through regular communication, operational audits, and updates on best practices to maintain high standards.
Ideal Candidate
- The Active Owner: Burrito Shak is not an absentee-owner model. We seek "owner-operators" who want to be present in their business, building relationships with customers and mentoring their team.
Community-Minded: Our most successful locations are those that become local favorites. We want owners who are excited to sponsor local surf contests, school teams, and neighborhood events.
Business Acumen: While a culinary background is a plus, it isn't required. We value leadership skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to follow a proven system.
Physical Store Commitment: This is a brick-and-mortar opportunity. We do not offer home-based or mobile/truck versions of the concept, as the "Shak" atmosphere is central to our brand identity.
Financial Detail
Franchise Overview
Initial Franchise Fee: $45,000
Initial Investment: $370,225 – $928,500
Net Worth Requirement: $350,000
Cash Requirement: $100,000
Veteran Incentives: 10% off franchise fee
Royalty Fee: 5%
Ad Royalty Fee: 1%
Term of Agreement: 10 years
Renewable Franchise Term: Yes