2005
5
$500,000
$35,000
$800,000
No
Café Mexicali is a fast-casual restaurant brand that has been delighting customers with fresh, scratch-made Mexican cuisine since 2005. With a commitment to using only the highest quality ingredients, each dish is crafted to deliver bold flavors and an authentic dining experience. As the brand expands its footprint across Colorado and into neighboring states, it offers a promising franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs passionate about the food industry and community engagement.
Proven Business Model: Café Mexicali has established a strong presence in Colorado with multiple locations, demonstrating consistent growth and profitability.
High-Quality Offerings: The brand's dedication to using fresh, scratch-made ingredients ensures a unique and flavorful menu that attracts a loyal customer base.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support, including site selection, build-out assistance, and marketing strategies.
Multiple Revenue Streams: The business model supports dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering, and events, providing diverse income opportunities.
Community Engagement: Café Mexicali fosters a welcoming atmosphere, encouraging repeat business and strong community ties.
Established Year: 2005
Founders: Rick Krammer and David Hoffman
Headquarters: Greeley, Colorado, USA
Industry: Fast-Casual Mexican Cuisine
Franchise Units: As of September 2025, Café Mexicali operates five company-owned locations in Colorado, with plans for expansion into neighboring states.
Company Overview:
Café Mexicali was founded in 2005 by Rick Krammer and David Hoffman, seasoned restaurateurs with over 65 years of combined experience in managing, operating, and owning fast-casual and full-service restaurants. Their vision was to create a dining experience that offered fresh, flavorful Mexican cuisine made from scratch using the highest quality ingredients. The first location opened in Fort Collins, Colorado, and the brand has since grown to include multiple locations across the state.
Expansion and Franchising:
In 2024, after opening its fifth location in Windsor, Colorado, Café Mexicali began exploring franchising opportunities to expand its footprint beyond Colorado. The company is actively seeking franchise partners to bring its fresh, flavorful food to new markets, including Utah, Arizona, and Texas. The brand's commitment to quality and community engagement has positioned it as a promising franchise opportunity in the fast-casual dining sector.
Community Engagement:
Café Mexicali prides itself on being an integral part of the communities it serves. The brand fosters a welcoming atmosphere that encourages repeat business and strong community ties. Its dedication to using fresh, scratch-made ingredients and providing exceptional customer service has earned it a loyal customer base and recognition within the local dining scene.
Conclusion:
With a proven business model, a commitment to quality, and a strong community presence, Café Mexicali offers a compelling franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs passionate about the food industry and community engagement. The brand's expansion plans and dedication to excellence position it for continued success in the fast-casual dining market.
Café Mexicali offers a comprehensive support system to ensure franchisee success:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiations, and build-out design to create an inviting atmosphere.
Training: A three-week training program, including two weeks at a Colorado location and one week at the new franchise site, covering operations, menu preparation, and customer service.
Opening Support: On-site assistance during the grand opening to ensure smooth operations and staff readiness.
Technology Tools: Provision of POS systems, inventory tracking, payroll, and scheduling software to streamline operations.
Operations Manual: A comprehensive guide detailing daily operations, brand standards, and best practices.
Ongoing Support: Continuous access to the franchise development team for guidance, along with marketing and promotional support to drive business growth.
Café Mexicali looks for franchisees who are not only financially capable but also share the brand’s passion for fresh, high-quality Mexican cuisine and community engagement. The ideal candidate typically embodies the following traits:
Passionate About Food and Hospitality
A genuine interest in the restaurant and foodservice industry.
Commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences and maintaining the high-quality standards Café Mexicali is known for.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Motivated to own and operate a successful business.
Willing to invest time, effort, and energy to grow the franchise and maintain consistent operational excellence.
Business and Management Skills
Experience in business management, restaurant operations, or a related field is highly beneficial.
Ability to oversee daily operations, manage staff, monitor finances, and ensure smooth workflows.
Financial Capacity
Access to sufficient capital to meet the total investment requirements (estimated $500,000–$800,000 depending on location).
Capability to cover working capital, marketing budgets, and operational expenses while building a profitable business.
Community-Oriented
Interest in building strong ties with the local community.
Ability to engage with customers and participate in local events to enhance brand presence.
Location Flexibility
Open to operating in Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Texas, or other suitable markets as identified by Café Mexicali.
Willingness to adapt to local market needs while maintaining brand consistency.
Commitment to Brand Standards
Adherence to Café Mexicali’s operational procedures, recipes, and service quality.
Dedication to upholding the brand’s reputation for fresh, scratch-made Mexican cuisine.
| Financial Item | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $500,000 – $800,000 (varies by location and size) |
| Minimum Investment Required | $500,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 6% of gross sales (standard industry rate; exact per agreement) |
| Marketing / Advertising Fund | 2–3% of gross sales; includes national & local campaigns |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $100,000 (covers first 3–6 months of operations) |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | $300,000 – $500,000 (leasehold improvements, equipment, furniture) |
| Franchise Units | 5 current company-owned units; expansion into new franchise units planned |
| Expected ROI | 15–25% annually (depending on location, market, and management) |
| Break-Even Time | 18–24 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Takeout, Delivery, Catering, Events, Merchandise (branded products) |
