1995
39
$378,400
$40,000
$697,000
No
California Tortilla, affectionately known as "Cal Tort," is a vibrant and innovative fast-casual Mexican restaurant franchise that reimagines traditional Mexican cuisine with a California twist. Founded in 1995 in Bethesda, Maryland, by Pam Felix and Alan Cohen, the brand has grown to 39 locations across the United States, offering a diverse menu of burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and more, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced from local farm-to-table suppliers.
With a commitment to exceptional customer service and a fun, engaging dining experience, California Tortilla has cultivated a loyal customer base and a strong brand presence. The franchise opportunity provides investors with a proven business model, comprehensive support, and the potential for significant returns in the thriving fast-casual dining sector.
Proven Business Model: Established in 1995, California Tortilla has decades of operational experience, refining its processes and offerings to meet market demands.
High-Quality Offerings: The brand emphasizes fresh, made-from-scratch ingredients, appealing to health-conscious consumers seeking flavorful, nutritious meals.
Strong Brand Identity: With a vibrant atmosphere and a focus on customer engagement, California Tortilla stands out in the competitive fast-casual dining landscape.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing assistance, ensuring operational success and brand consistency.
Growth Potential: With 39 locations and a presence in multiple states, there is significant opportunity for expansion in untapped markets.
Established: August 4, 1995, in Bethesda, Maryland
Founders: Pam Felix and Alan Cohen
Franchising Since: 2003
Franchise Units: 39 locations across the United States as of 2020
Headquarters: Potomac, Maryland
Industry Category: Fast-Casual Mexican Restaurant Franchising
Ownership: Privately held by California Tortilla Group, Inc.
Market Presence: Strong presence in the Washington metropolitan area, Delaware Valley (NJ & PA), North Jersey, South Carolina, and South Hampton Roads (VA)
Annual Revenue: Approximately $99.6 million (2021)
California Tortilla prides itself on offering comprehensive support to ensure every franchisee has the tools and knowledge needed to run a successful restaurant. This support spans pre-launch, operational, marketing, academic, and ongoing assistance:
Site Selection Assistance: The franchisor helps identify prime locations with high traffic and target demographics to maximize business potential.
Lease Negotiation Guidance: Expert advice on negotiating favorable lease terms.
Restaurant Design & Build-Out: Guidance on layout, kitchen design, branding, and décor to maintain consistent brand identity.
Permits & Licensing Support: Help navigating local regulations, health department requirements, and food safety certifications.
Headquarters Training: A 4-week intensive program at California Tortilla headquarters covering:
Menu preparation and recipes
Food safety and sanitation
Customer service excellence
Inventory management and ordering
Point-of-sale system usage
Financial management, reporting, and budgeting
Hands-On Experience: Practical, real-world training in a working California Tortilla restaurant to reinforce operational procedures.
Ongoing Guidance: Franchisees receive continuous operational support via phone, email, and in-person visits.
Operations Manual: Detailed manuals outlining daily procedures, standards, and best practices.
Supply Chain Support: Assistance with sourcing quality ingredients, equipment, and branded merchandise.
Technology Systems: Access to proprietary POS systems, inventory management tools, and financial tracking software.
National Marketing: Campaigns run by the corporate team to increase brand visibility.
Local Marketing Guidance: Tips for social media, promotions, events, and community engagement tailored to the franchise location.
Advertising Materials: Templates, graphics, and digital content to maintain brand consistency across locations.
Refresher Training: Periodic updates on new menu items, seasonal promotions, and operational improvements.
Business Analysis: Assistance analyzing financial performance and identifying areas for improvement.
Franchisee Community: Networking with other franchisees to share best practices and strategies.
California Tortilla is looking for entrepreneurs and investors who align with the brand’s values and are capable of running a successful fast-casual restaurant. The ideal franchisee profile includes the following characteristics:
Management or Leadership Experience: Franchisees should have experience managing people, budgets, or operations. This could be from the restaurant, retail, or service industries.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Self-starters who are motivated to build and grow a business, taking initiative to drive results.
Customer Service Orientation: Individuals who value providing excellent customer experiences and maintaining high service standards.
Love for Food & Community: A genuine interest in food, hospitality, and engaging with the local community.
Hands-On Involvement: Willingness to be actively involved in daily operations, especially during the critical first year.
Brand Alignment: Appreciation of California Tortilla’s culture, fun atmosphere, and emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Liquid Capital: Minimum of $250,000 in readily available funds to cover start-up costs, initial operations, and working capital.
Net Worth: At least $1,000,000 to ensure long-term financial stability and investment security.
Ability to Manage Investment: Comfortable handling expenses such as franchise fees, equipment, leasehold improvements, marketing, and staffing.
Community-Oriented Mindset: Interested in serving local communities and building a loyal customer base.
Strategic Market Understanding: Ability to identify and evaluate locations with growth potential and strong foot traffic.
Growth Potential: Open to operating multiple units in a region for expansion opportunities.
Strong Leadership: Capable of hiring, training, and motivating a team.
Operational Excellence: Attention to detail in day-to-day operations, inventory management, and financial oversight.
Adaptability: Flexible and resilient, able to respond to challenges and changing market conditions.
Collaborative Spirit: Willing to work closely with the franchisor, follow brand standards, and participate in ongoing training.
| Category | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Total Investment Required | $378,400 – $697,000 |
| Net Worth Requirement | $1,000,000 |
| Liquid Capital Requirement | $250,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fee | 2% of gross sales |
| Leasehold Improvements / Build-Out Cost | $250,000 – $450,000 (varies by location) |
| Equipment & Furnishings | $80,000 – $120,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Working Capital | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| Break-Even Time | 18 – 24 months |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering, merchandise |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location; mature units typically profitable within 2 years |
| Additional Notes | Costs may vary based on location, market size, and construction requirements. Marketing and operational support are included in ongoing fees. |
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