1986
22
$1,500,000
$25,000
$2,500,000
No
Chevys Fresh Mex is a vibrant and iconic Mexican restaurant chain that has been delighting guests with its bold flavors and festive atmosphere since 1986. Founded by Warren Simmons in Alameda, California, Chevys introduced a unique twist on traditional Mexican cuisine, blending authentic recipes with a lively dining experience.
Over the years, Chevys has become synonymous with mesquite-grilled dishes, signature margaritas, and a welcoming environment that appeals to families, friends, and food enthusiasts alike. The brand's commitment to quality and innovation has solidified its position in the casual dining sector.
Today, Chevys Fresh Mex operates 22 locations across the United States, with a strong presence in California and other states including Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, South Dakota, and Virginia
Investing in a Chevys Fresh Mex franchise offers a unique opportunity to be part of a well-established brand with a rich history and a loyal customer base. The franchise model is designed for scalability, making it suitable for both first-time investors and experienced multi-unit operators.
With a proven track record, Chevys provides franchisees with a comprehensive support system, including training, marketing, and operational assistance. The brand's focus on fresh, made-from-scratch Mexican cuisine ensures a consistent and high-quality product that resonates with a wide demographic.
Moreover, Chevys' affiliation with Xperience Restaurant Group, a leading operator in the Mexican dining segment, offers additional resources and expertise to franchisees, enhancing the potential for success and growth.
Established Year: 1986
Founder: Warren Simmons
Franchise Units: 22 locations across the United States
Parent Company: Xperience Restaurant Group
Industry Category: Casual Dining / Mexican Cuisine
Chevys Fresh Mex was founded in 1986 by Warren Simmons in Alameda, California. The brand quickly gained popularity for its innovative approach to Mexican cuisine and its lively dining atmosphere.
In 2005, Chevys was acquired by Real Mex Restaurants, Inc., which later became part of Xperience Restaurant Group. This acquisition allowed Chevys to expand its reach and enhance its operational capabilities
Today, Chevys continues to uphold its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, offering a menu that features mesquite-grilled fajitas, signature margaritas, and a variety of traditional Mexican dishes.
Chevys Fresh Mex places a strong emphasis on equipping franchisees with the tools, knowledge, and guidance needed to successfully operate their restaurants. The support system is comprehensive, covering all stages of the franchise lifecycle — from pre-launch to ongoing operations.
Site Selection Assistance: Chevys provides guidance in identifying ideal locations based on traffic patterns, demographics, competition, and market potential.
Lease Negotiation: Expert advice to secure favorable lease terms that support long-term profitability.
Restaurant Design & Construction Guidance: Assistance with designing an appealing and functional layout that aligns with the Chevys brand image.
Equipment & Vendor Support: Recommendations for purchasing kitchen equipment, furniture, and sourcing quality ingredients.
Operational Training: Comprehensive hands-on training covering day-to-day operations, kitchen management, inventory control, and quality standards.
Customer Service Training: Staff training modules to ensure excellent guest experiences and maintain the brand’s welcoming atmosphere.
Management Training: Leadership and management practices for franchise owners to run their restaurant efficiently.
Food Preparation & Safety: Guidance on recipes, portion control, food safety standards, and consistency across all menu items.
National Marketing Campaigns: Franchisees benefit from Chevys’ brand-wide campaigns, which include social media, TV, and print advertising.
Local Marketing Guidance: Strategies and tools to drive traffic through community engagement, promotions, and events.
Digital Marketing Support: Assistance with online presence, SEO, and social media strategies to attract and retain customers.
Continuous Guidance: Regular updates on operational best practices, process improvements, and efficiency optimization.
Inventory Management Assistance: Tools and systems to streamline ordering, minimize waste, and maintain stock consistency.
Performance Reviews: Periodic reviews to monitor KPIs, identify growth opportunities, and address operational challenges.
Dedicated Franchise Support Team: A team of experts is available to address challenges, answer questions, and provide strategic guidance.
Access to Resources: Manuals, training videos, operational checklists, and software tools to assist in smooth day-to-day operations.
Continuous Improvement Programs: Periodic updates and workshops to ensure franchisees stay aligned with evolving brand standards and industry trends.
Summary:
Chevys Fresh Mex ensures that franchisees are never left to navigate their business alone. From helping choose the perfect location, through pre-opening training, marketing, operational guidance, to ongoing support — Chevys provides a structured, hands-on system to maximize the likelihood of franchise success.
Chevys Fresh Mex seeks franchisees who are not only financially capable but also aligned with the brand’s values, operational standards, and customer-focused culture. The ideal candidate possesses a combination of business acumen, passion for hospitality, and commitment to quality.
Experience in Restaurant Management: Previous experience managing restaurants, casual dining, or food service operations is highly beneficial.
Entrepreneurial Mindset: Ability to take initiative, make strategic decisions, and oversee business operations effectively.
Leadership & Team Management: Skilled at hiring, training, motivating, and retaining staff to ensure smooth operations and excellent customer service.
Financial Acumen: Comfortable managing budgets, controlling costs, analyzing performance metrics, and making data-driven decisions.
Customer Service Oriented: A genuine interest in providing memorable dining experiences for guests.
Commitment to Quality: Alignment with Chevys Fresh Mex’s focus on fresh, made-from-scratch Mexican cuisine and maintaining consistent standards across all locations.
Brand Advocacy: Willingness to promote the brand’s image, culture, and values within the community and among staff.
Sufficient Capital: Ability to meet initial franchise investment requirements, including franchise fees, construction costs, equipment, and working capital.
Long-Term Investment Perspective: Understanding that building a successful restaurant requires patience and commitment to long-term growth.
Market Awareness: Preference for opening locations in high-traffic areas with strong demand for casual dining Mexican cuisine.
Community Engagement: Interest in building relationships with the local community to foster brand loyalty and repeat business.
Resilient & Problem-Solving: Capable of handling challenges and adapting to operational or market changes.
Motivated & Ambitious: A drive to grow multiple units or expand within a territory.
Collaborative: Willingness to work closely with Chevys corporate teams for guidance and support.
Summary:
The ideal Chevys Fresh Mex franchisee is a motivated, business-savvy individual or group with a passion for hospitality and community engagement, a solid financial foundation, and a commitment to operating their restaurant to the brand’s high standards. Multi-unit operators or those with prior food and beverage experience are especially well-suited to succeed in this franchise system.
| Financial Component | Estimated Details |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 – $35,000 |
| Total Investment | $1,500,000 – $2,500,000 (includes build-out, equipment, and initial working capital) |
| Infrastructure/Build-Out Cost | $800,000 – $1,500,000 (restaurant construction, furniture, kitchen equipment) |
| Marketing Budget | $50,000 – $100,000 (local + national marketing campaigns, promotions) |
| Working Capital | $100,000 – $200,000 (cover initial operational expenses) |
| Royalty Fees | 4% – 6% of gross sales |
| Expected ROI | 18% – 25% annually (varies by location & operational efficiency) |
| Break-Even Time | 18 – 36 months |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Takeout, Catering, Special Events |
| Franchise Units | 22 locations across the United States |
| Minimum Investment Required | $1,500,000 |
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