1991
10
$1,395,000
$40,000
$1,920,000
No
Dos Coyotes Border Cafe is not just another Mexican restaurant; it is a meticulously crafted fast-casual concept pioneering the "Border Cafe" experience. Established on the principle of delivering restaurant-quality, Southwestern-inspired cuisine in a quick-casual format, Dos Coyotes occupies the highly lucrative intersection of speed, value, and premium ingredients.
While the market is saturated with Tex-Mex and traditional quick-service options, Dos Coyotes stands apart through its commitment to freshness, bold Santa Fe-inspired flavors, and a menu built on high-quality ingredients like flame-broiled meats, signature sauces, and seasonal, locally sourced produce. This dedication to culinary excellence has established Dos Coyes as a beloved, community-centric brand with fierce customer loyalty, particularly in the competitive California food landscape.
For the savvy multi-unit developer, Dos Coyotes represents a rare opportunity to capture a premium niche within the $300+ billion U.S. restaurant industry. Our model is engineered for operational efficiency, rapid customer throughput, and strong unit economics, positioning us perfectly for national expansion beyond our established West Coast roots. Join us to capitalize on the sustained consumer demand for flavor-forward, high-quality, and health-conscious dining options.
Investing in a Dos Coyotes franchise offers a distinct competitive edge in the fast-casual segment:
Unique Culinary Niche: We define the "Southwestern Cuisine" category, offering a compelling alternative to generic Mexican and burrito concepts. This differentiation ensures menu relevance and minimizes direct competition.
Proven Operational Model: Developed over three decades, the Dos Coyotes system is streamlined for quick-casual service flow, minimizing labor complexity while maximizing kitchen efficiency and ingredient quality.
High Customer Loyalty: The brand’s focus on fresh, proprietary sauces, immense signature salads, and customizable menu items fosters repeat business and strong local community ties. The slogan, "Have you had your DOS today?" encapsulates the brand's addictive quality.
Targeted Multi-Unit Growth: Dos Coyotes is actively seeking experienced Area Developers interested in securing protected territories for a minimum of three restaurants, allowing for maximum market penetration and operational scale economies.
Adaptability and Resilience: The menu caters to modern dietary preferences, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and lighter "guilt-free" options, making the concept highly resilient to changing consumer trends and tastes.
Detail | Information |
|---|---|
Established Year | January 5, 1991 (First location in Davis, CA) |
Founder | Bobby Coyote (Robert Davidson) |
Initial Concept | A "people's restaurant" combining high-quality, restaurant-level Southwestern food with affordable prices and quick-casual service. |
Industry Category | Fast Casual Dining / Southwestern & New Mexican Cuisine |
Brand Journey | Started as a single, highly successful local favorite in Davis, CA, and expanded into a prominent Northern California chain before beginning its national franchise expansion through Dos Coyotes Development Company, LLC. The brand pioneered the use of farm-to-fork practices in the quick-casual space. |
Market Presence | Strong presence with over 10 corporate and franchised locations across the Greater Sacramento Area and Northern California. The franchise program is now targeting experienced multi-unit developers to spearhead expansion across the USA. |
Ownership | Privately held; franchising managed by Dos Coyotes Development Company, LLC. |
Franchise Units (Approx.) | The brand has multiple operating locations and is now strategically growing its franchise count nationwide via Area Development Agreements. |
Dos Coyotes is committed to the success of its Area Developers and provides comprehensive, multi-phase support designed for seamless multi-unit operations:
Pre-Launch & Development Support:
Site Selection: Assistance in evaluating potential territories and specific restaurant locations, ensuring optimal visibility and demographic fit.
Design & Construction: Guidance on standardized restaurant layouts, vendor negotiation, and construction specifications to achieve the distinctive Border Cafe atmosphere efficiently.
IT & Systems: Setup of proprietary POS (Point of Sale) systems, inventory management software, and back-of-house technology infrastructure.
Operational & Academic Training:
Initial Training Program: An intensive, multi-week training program covering all facets of the business, including food preparation techniques, quality control, inventory management, labor scheduling, and executive management protocols. This includes both classroom and extensive on-the-job training at a certified training location.
Franchisee & Manager Certification: Mandatory certification for the operating principal and core management team to ensure complete adherence to brand standards and consistency across all units.
Marketing & Grand Opening Support:
Grand Opening Assistance: On-site corporate support team deployment during the critical pre-opening and initial opening phases to ensure smooth execution and strong first-day sales.
Local Store Marketing (LSM): Templates, strategies, and ongoing guidance for developing community engagement, social media campaigns, and catering programs tailored to the local market.
System-wide Marketing: Participation in the Dos Coyotes marketing fund, ensuring professional brand development, digital advertising, and consistent nationwide brand messaging.
Ongoing Support:
Field Operations Consultations: Regular visits from dedicated Franchise Business Consultants to conduct performance reviews, provide operational audits, and assist with goal planning.
Supply Chain Management: Access to the franchisor’s negotiated national and regional supply chain relationships to ensure the consistent quality and cost-effectiveness of our signature, fresh ingredients.
Dos Coyotes is seeking strategic partners, specifically experienced operators who possess the vision and resources to successfully execute multi-unit development plans.
Trait | Description |
|---|---|
Entrepreneur Type | Experienced Area Developers or existing multi-unit franchise operators (minimum 3 units required). We are looking for sophisticated business owners, not passive investors. |
Business Background | Proven track record of success in the Quick Service, Fast Casual, or Casual Dining restaurant industry. Must understand complex operational logistics, labor management, and unit economics. |
Passion & Culture | A genuine passion for high-quality, unique food and a commitment to exceptional hospitality. The ideal candidate must be dedicated to maintaining the community-focused, fun, and high-energy culture of the Border Cafe. |
Financial Capability | Must possess significant capital and be financially liquid to secure multi-unit development rights and ensure smooth build-out/working capital for all locations. |
Location Preference | Investors interested in developing protected, high-growth territories outside of our established California market. Candidates must have extensive knowledge of the local real estate and consumer market in their desired development area. |
The investment for a Dos Coyotes Area Development Agreement, which requires a commitment to a minimum of three units, positions the brand for serious, large-scale investors.
Financial Item | Estimated Amount (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Initial Franchise Fee (Per Unit) | $40,000 | Paid to the Franchisor for the right to use the trademark and system. Discounts may apply for multi-unit agreements. |
Total Investment Range (Per Unit) | $1,395,000 - $1,920,000 | This is the estimated total cost to open one single Dos Coyotes Border Cafe, including all costs listed below. |
Minimum Investment Required | $1,395,000 | The low end of the estimated total investment, excluding the multi-unit agreement fee. |
Minimum Cash/Liquidity Required | $310,000 - $500,000 | Required liquid capital to cover initial expenses and working capital. Specific requirements depend on the number of committed units. |
Infrastructure/Build-Out Cost | (Included in Total Investment) | Covers leasehold improvements, construction, furniture, fixtures, equipment, and signage (typically the largest component). |
Working Capital (3 Months) | $53,000 - $79,000 | Funds necessary to cover operating expenses (payroll, rent, utilities) during the initial ramp-up period before reaching break-even. |
Royalty Fees | 4.0% of Gross Sales | Paid weekly or monthly to the Franchisor for ongoing support, system access, and brand usage. |
Marketing/Ad Fund Contribution | Consult FDD Item 6 | Typically 1% to 2% of gross sales, dedicated to system-wide marketing and advertising campaigns. |
Initial Term | 10 Years | The length of the initial franchise agreement, with renewal options typically available. |
Expected ROI & Break-Even Time | Varies by Location & Management | Potential revenue streams include dine-in, carry-out, and a robust, high-volume catering division. Financial Performance Representations (FPRs) detailing Gross Sales and profitability estimates are provided in Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). |
