2015
1
$146,700
$27,500
$296,500
No
Cilantro Lime is a vibrant, California-based fast-casual Mexican restaurant that brings the bold flavors of Mexico to the heart of the United States. Founded in 2015 and franchising since 2022, the brand has quickly gained recognition for its commitment to fresh, made-from-scratch dishes and a fun, welcoming atmosphere. With a menu featuring fan favorites like tacos, burritos, and churros, Cilantro Lime offers a modern twist on traditional Mexican cuisine, appealing to a wide range of customers seeking flavorful, high-quality meals.
The franchise is ideal for entrepreneurs looking to invest in a growing segment of the food industry. With a focus on operational simplicity and a strong support system, Cilantro Lime provides a promising opportunity for those passionate about food and community engagement.
Proven Concept: Cilantro Lime's commitment to quality ingredients and authentic flavors has resonated with customers, leading to a loyal customer base and positive brand recognition.
Growing Market: The Mexican fast-casual dining segment continues to expand, driven by consumer demand for quick, flavorful, and affordable dining options.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support, ensuring they are well-equipped to manage and grow their business successfully.
Scalable Model: The franchise offers flexible store formats and a straightforward operational model, making it adaptable to various markets and locations.
Established Year: 2015
Cilantro Lime was founded in 2015 with a mission to bring authentic, fresh, and flavorful Mexican cuisine to a fast-casual dining environment. The brand emphasizes high-quality ingredients, made-from-scratch recipes, and a welcoming customer experience.
Founders: Leonardo Matias
The brand was created by Leonardo Matias, who envisioned a modern take on traditional Mexican food. His goal was to combine quality, convenience, and affordability while maintaining authentic flavors that resonate with a diverse audience.
Franchise Units: 1 (as of 2023)
Although Cilantro Lime is relatively new to franchising, it has established a strong operational foundation and is actively expanding its franchise model in the U.S. market.
Brand Journey:
2015: First store opened in Los Angeles, CA.
2016–2019: Focus on menu refinement, operational efficiency, and brand recognition in the local market.
2020–2022: Adopted a fast-casual expansion strategy with plans to franchise nationwide.
2022: Officially launched franchise opportunities, focusing on strategic locations with high growth potential.
Company History & Ownership:
Cilantro Lime is a privately-owned company with headquarters in Los Angeles, California. The company prides itself on consistency, quality, and strong customer loyalty, which has helped it build a reputation as a go-to destination for flavorful Mexican cuisine.
Market Presence & Industry Category:
Industry: Mexican Fast-Casual Dining
Current Market Presence: Primarily in California, with an expanding footprint in other U.S. markets.
Competitive Advantage: Focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, customizable menu options, and a modern dining experience.
Other Information:
Cilantro Lime combines operational simplicity with an attractive, customer-focused concept. Its brand story emphasizes community engagement, sustainability, and an authentic dining experience, making it appealing to both franchisees and customers.
Cilantro Lime offers a comprehensive support system to ensure franchisees succeed at every stage of their journey—from pre-launch to ongoing operations. The training and support are designed to make the franchisee confident, operationally efficient, and profitable.
Before opening a new location, Cilantro Lime provides hands-on guidance to ensure a smooth setup:
Site Selection Assistance: Expert analysis of potential locations based on foot traffic, demographics, and market potential.
Lease Negotiation Support: Guidance on rental agreements to secure favorable terms for long-term profitability.
Store Design & Construction Support: Assistance with layout planning, décor, and kitchen setup to maintain brand consistency.
Equipment Procurement: Recommendations and sourcing of kitchen equipment, POS systems, and supplies at competitive rates.
Franchisees and their management teams undergo structured training before opening:
Operational Training: Step-by-step instruction on day-to-day restaurant operations, including food preparation, hygiene, and inventory management.
Management & Leadership: Guidance on staff recruitment, scheduling, payroll, and team leadership.
Customer Service Training: Best practices for creating a welcoming and engaging dining experience.
Point-of-Sale & Technology Training: Hands-on training on POS systems, order management, and reporting tools.
Cilantro Lime helps franchisees attract customers and build local brand awareness:
Local Store Marketing: Strategies for grand openings, promotions, and community engagement.
Digital Marketing Guidance: Support with social media campaigns, email marketing, and online reputation management.
Advertising Materials: Access to pre-designed marketing collateral, signage, and graphics.
Cilantro Lime ensures continuous support after launch to help franchisees grow and optimize their business:
Field Support: Experienced franchise consultants visit locations regularly to review operations, suggest improvements, and assist with challenges.
Supply Chain Management: Access to approved suppliers to maintain quality standards and reduce costs.
Continuous Training & Updates: Regular training sessions for new menu items, operational improvements, and industry best practices.
Franchisee Network: Opportunities to collaborate with other franchisees to share insights, strategies, and solutions.
Software & Analytics: Tools to track sales, inventory, and customer preferences.
Crisis & Risk Management Guidance: Assistance in navigating operational or market challenges.
Summary:
Cilantro Lime’s support structure is designed to minimize risk and accelerate growth. Franchisees receive step-by-step guidance, practical training, marketing tools, and ongoing operational support to run a successful, profitable business.
Cilantro Lime is looking for franchise partners who are not just investors, but active contributors to the brand’s success. The ideal franchisee is someone who can blend business acumen with a passion for quality food and customer service.
Genuine enthusiasm for Mexican cuisine and delivering an exceptional dining experience.
Commitment to maintaining high standards in food preparation, presentation, and hygiene.
Enjoyment of interacting with customers and building a loyal community.
Ability to manage operations, including staffing, scheduling, and inventory management.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to ensure consistent service and quality.
Previous experience in retail, foodservice, or franchise management is a plus, though not mandatory.
Self-motivated and proactive, with a desire to grow the business and expand market presence.
Willingness to implement brand standards while leveraging local marketing opportunities.
Resilience and problem-solving mindset to handle operational challenges and competition.
Adequate investment capital to cover initial franchise fees, infrastructure setup, and working capital.
Ability to sustain the business through initial months until break-even is reached.
Interest in participating in local events, partnerships, and promotions to enhance brand visibility.
Dedication to building long-term relationships with customers and local businesses.
Preference for high-traffic, visible locations that maximize customer reach.
Commitment to following the franchise system while adapting to the local market nuances.
| Category | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $27,500 |
| Total Investment Required | $146,700 – $296,500 |
| Infrastructure / Build-out Cost | Varies by location and store size; typically $80,000 – $180,000 |
| Working Capital | Recommended: $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fee | Typically 2–3% of gross sales (exact fee provided during franchise process) |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location; estimated 15–25% annually once mature |
| Break-Even Time | 12–24 months, depending on sales and location |
| Revenue Streams | In-store dining, takeout, delivery, catering services |
| Franchise Units (Current) | 1 unit (as of 2023) |
| Financing Options | Available through third-party lenders (subject to approval) |
Notes:
Total investment includes franchise fee, store build-out, equipment, initial inventory, marketing, and working capital.
ROI and break-even are estimates and depend heavily on location, customer traffic, and operational efficiency.
Cilantro Lime provides ongoing operational and marketing support to help maximize revenue and profitability.
