2015
15
$100,000
$45,000
$797,000
No
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.
Proven Concept: Burrito Shak has demonstrated consistent growth and customer loyalty, making it a promising investment opportunity.
Unique Brand Identity: The coastal theme and Baja-inspired menu set Burrito Shak apart in the competitive fast-casual dining market.
Supportive Franchise System: Franchisees receive comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure success.
Community Engagement: The brand emphasizes community involvement, creating a strong local presence for each franchise.
Established Year: 2015
Founders: David Longo and Kara Longo
Franchise Units Current Number: 15 locations across North Carolina and Arizona (early 2025), with multiple new locations under development.
Ownership: Privately held by the Longo family.
Brand Journey & History:
Burrito Shak was founded in 2015 in Hampstead, North Carolina, by Chef David Longo, an experienced executive chef, and his wife Kara. The concept was born from their vision to combine high-quality Baja-style cuisine with a vibrant, coastal-inspired dining atmosphere. What started as a single location quickly gained popularity due to its fresh ingredients, customizable menu, and fun, beachy vibes.
Within a few years, the brand expanded across North Carolina, capturing the loyalty of local communities while maintaining a consistent focus on quality and customer experience. By 2024, Burrito Shak opened seven new locations, signaling robust demand and a scalable business model suitable for franchise expansion.
Market Presence in the USA:
Burrito Shak operates primarily in the Southeastern United States, with locations in North Carolina and Arizona. Plans are underway for expansion into South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, aiming to increase the franchise footprint and brand visibility in fast-casual Mexican dining.
Industry Category: Fast-Casual Mexican Dining
Unique Selling Proposition:
Burrito Shak differentiates itself from competitors through its chef-inspired menu, fresh and customizable ingredients, and coastal-themed, family-friendly environment. The brand appeals to a broad demographic, from young professionals to families, seeking flavorful, high-quality Mexican cuisine in a relaxed setting.
Key Highlights:
Strong growth trajectory with multiple new locations opening annually.
A brand known for quality food, unique ambiance, and customer loyalty.
Scalable franchise model backed by experienced leadership and operational support.
Positioned for expansion in key southeastern U.S. markets.
Burrito Shak offers a comprehensive support system for its franchisees:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, and restaurant design to ensure optimal location and layout.
Training: A structured training program covering operations, customer service, food preparation, and management practices.
Marketing Support: Guidance on local marketing strategies, promotional campaigns, and brand-building efforts to attract and retain customers.
Ongoing Assistance: Continuous support through regular communication, operational audits, and updates on best practices to maintain high standards.
This robust support system ensures that franchisees are well-equipped to operate successfully and uphold the brand's reputation.
Burrito Shak is seeking franchise partners who are motivated, business-minded, and passionate about the fast-casual dining industry. The ideal franchisee combines entrepreneurial drive with a commitment to delivering excellent customer experiences and maintaining the brand’s high standards.
Key Characteristics of an Ideal Franchisee:
Entrepreneurial Spirit:
Highly motivated individuals who are excited to manage and grow their own business.
Willing to embrace the operational challenges and rewards of restaurant ownership.
Passion for Food and Hospitality:
A genuine interest in the food industry, particularly in Mexican or Baja-style cuisine.
Commitment to delivering an engaging and high-quality dining experience for every guest.
Operational Capability:
Strong leadership and management skills to oversee daily operations, staff, and inventory.
Ability to implement operational systems and uphold the brand’s standards consistently.
Financial Preparedness:
Sufficient capital to invest in the franchise, cover initial setup costs, and support the business until it reaches profitability.
Comfortable with the franchise fee, working capital requirements, and ongoing royalty and marketing fees.
Community-Oriented Mindset:
Eager to build relationships within their local community to drive loyalty and repeat business.
Understanding of the importance of local marketing, promotions, and community engagement.
Location Preference and Market Knowledge:
Interested in operating in markets with growth potential, primarily in the Southeastern United States, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
Awareness of local demographics and consumer preferences to adapt strategies effectively.
Additional Traits:
Ability to follow proven operational systems while bringing personal initiative to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Open to learning and taking guidance from corporate support teams, including pre-launch and ongoing training programs.
Summary:
The ideal Burrito Shak franchisee is a committed, financially capable, and community-focused entrepreneur with a passion for delivering fresh, high-quality food in a fun, coastal-inspired dining environment. No prior restaurant experience is required, as Burrito Shak provides comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure franchisee success.
| Financial Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $324,725 – $797,000 (depending on location, size, and build-out costs) |
| Franchise Fee | $45,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $100,000 |
| Minimum Net Worth Requirement | $350,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fee / Fund | 2% of gross sales (approx.; contributes to national and local marketing) |
| Infrastructure / Build-out Cost | $200,000 – $550,000 (includes interior, kitchen equipment, furniture) |
| Working Capital Requirement | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 18 – 24 months (varies by location and market conditions) |
| Expected ROI | 15% – 25% annually (projected average after stabilization) |
| Revenue Streams | - Dine-in & takeout - Catering services - Delivery & third-party partnerships - Merchandise & branded products |
