1984
50
$1,860,000
$50,000
$2,565,000
No
Cantina Laredo is a premier Mexican restaurant brand that redefines traditional dining by offering a sophisticated, upscale experience combined with authentic Mexican cuisine. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Cantina Laredo has established itself as a leader in the high-end Mexican dining segment. The brand's modern ambiance, signature dishes, and exceptional service have garnered a loyal customer base, making it a sought-after franchise opportunity in the United States.
Established Brand Reputation: Cantina Laredo has built a strong brand presence, known for its upscale dining experience and authentic Mexican cuisine.
High-Quality Offerings: The menu features a blend of traditional and contemporary Mexican dishes, prepared with the finest ingredients, ensuring a unique dining experience.
Proven Business Model: With a history of successful operations, Cantina Laredo offers a tested business model that supports franchisees in achieving profitability.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support in areas such as operations, marketing, and management, ensuring sustained success.
Prime Location Strategy: The brand focuses on high-visibility, high-traffic locations, enhancing customer accessibility and brand exposure.
Established Year:
Cantina Laredo was founded in 1984, beginning as a single restaurant with a vision to offer upscale Mexican cuisine in a sophisticated dining environment.
Founders:
The brand was created by a team of entrepreneurs passionate about redefining Mexican dining in the United States. Their goal was to merge authentic culinary traditions with a modern, stylish ambiance.
Franchise Units:
As of 2025, Cantina Laredo operates approximately 20–50 units across the United States. The locations include a mix of corporate-owned and franchisee-operated restaurants, primarily in high-traffic urban and suburban areas.
Brand Journey & Company History:
Cantina Laredo started as a single restaurant in Texas and rapidly gained recognition for its authentic Mexican cuisine combined with an upscale dining experience. Over the years, it expanded its footprint through a combination of company-owned locations and franchising opportunities. The brand is recognized for its innovative menu, featuring a blend of traditional Mexican dishes and contemporary culinary techniques, which has helped it stand out in the competitive restaurant industry.
Ownership:
Cantina Laredo is a division of Consolidated Restaurant Operations, Inc. (CRO), a company that manages multiple successful restaurant brands. This ownership provides a solid backing for franchisees and ensures consistent operational and financial support.
Market Presence in the USA:
The brand has a strong presence in key U.S. markets, including Texas, Florida, and other metropolitan areas. Cantina Laredo restaurants are strategically located in prime locations such as shopping centers, business districts, and airports to capture high foot traffic and ensure visibility.
Industry Category:
Cantina Laredo belongs to the full-service, upscale Mexican dining category, catering to customers seeking a premium dining experience with authentic flavors, modern presentation, and high-quality service.
Reputation & Recognition:
Cantina Laredo has earned a reputation for consistently delivering exceptional service, innovative menu options, and a stylish dining atmosphere. It is recognized as a leader in the upscale Mexican dining segment, appealing to both casual diners and business clientele.
Cantina Laredo offers a comprehensive support system to ensure franchisee success:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, and restaurant design tailored to the brand's specifications.
Training Programs: Franchisees and their teams undergo extensive training, including classroom instruction and hands-on experience, covering all aspects of restaurant operations.
Operational Assistance: Ongoing support in daily operations, inventory management, and staffing to maintain brand standards.
Marketing Support: Access to national and local marketing materials, promotional strategies, and digital marketing tools to drive customer engagement.
Continuous Development: Regular updates on menu innovations, industry trends, and operational best practices to keep franchisees competitive.
Cantina Laredo seeks franchisees who are motivated, capable, and aligned with the brand’s commitment to upscale dining and customer excellence. The ideal franchisee profile includes the following characteristics:
1. Business Acumen & Experience:
Preferably, the franchisee should have experience in restaurant management, hospitality, or retail operations.
A solid understanding of business operations, financial management, and customer service is highly valuable.
Prior experience in franchising or multi-unit management is an added advantage.
2. Passion for Hospitality and Dining:
Franchisees must demonstrate a genuine interest in the food and beverage industry, particularly in high-quality Mexican cuisine.
A strong commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences, maintaining consistent service standards, and upholding the Cantina Laredo brand values.
3. Financial Capability:
The franchisee should have the ability to meet financial requirements, including:
Minimum initial investment: Approximately $1.86M–$2.56M per unit.
Minimum net worth: $1,000,000.
Liquid assets: At least $250,000.
Financial stability is essential to cover initial development costs, operational expenses, and marketing efforts until the location becomes profitable.
4. Entrepreneurial Drive & Commitment:
The ideal franchisee is goal-oriented, motivated to grow the business, and willing to invest the necessary time, energy, and resources to ensure success.
They should be open to learning and following Cantina Laredo’s proven operational systems while contributing to the brand’s expansion in their market.
5. Location & Market Focus:
Preference is given to individuals who can establish Cantina Laredo in high-traffic urban, suburban, or airport locations.
Franchisees should have a keen understanding of local demographics and market dynamics to maximize brand visibility and customer engagement.
6. Multi-Unit Potential:
Cantina Laredo favors franchisees interested in multi-unit development, enabling them to expand their footprint and increase revenue potential.
7. Alignment with Brand Values:
Franchisees must share Cantina Laredo’s commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
They should be collaborative, adaptable, and willing to engage with ongoing training and operational guidance provided by the franchisor.
| Financial Item | Details / Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $50,000 per restaurant |
| Development Fee | Negotiated individually for multi-unit or exclusive areas |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Minimum Investment Required | $1,860,000 |
| Total Investment Required | $2,565,000 (includes land/site prep, construction, furniture, fixtures, equipment, pre-opening expenses) |
| Marketing Budget | Varies; franchisees expected to allocate funds for local marketing |
| Working Capital Requirement | Sufficient to cover initial operating expenses until profitability is achieved |
| Break-Even Time | 18–24 months (depends on location and operational efficiency) |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in services, catering, private events, online ordering, takeout |
| Minimum Net Worth Required | $1,000,000 |
| Liquid Assets Required | $250,000 |
| Multi-Unit Opportunities | Available for qualified franchisees |
