1940
25
$1,200,000
$40,000
$2,500,000
No
El Chico Cafe is a legendary name in the world of Tex-Mex cuisine, celebrated for its rich history, warm hospitality, and unforgettable flavors. Established nearly a century ago, El Chico Cafe brings to life the bold and vibrant taste of Mexican and Southwestern cooking through its extensive menu, colorful ambiance, and exceptional customer experience. Known for its sizzling fajitas, flavorful enchiladas, and signature margaritas, the brand has carved out a loyal fan base across generations of diners.
Today, El Chico Cafe is expanding its footprint across the United States through an exciting franchise opportunity designed for passionate entrepreneurs who want to own a piece of Tex-Mex heritage. With decades of operational expertise, strong brand recognition, and a proven restaurant system, El Chico Cafe offers franchisees a chance to step into a trusted brand that blends tradition with innovation — appealing to both nostalgic diners and new generations of food lovers.
As the demand for authentic yet approachable dining continues to grow nationwide, El Chico Cafe stands out as a resilient, family-friendly concept with a track record of profitability and guest satisfaction.
Investing in an El Chico Cafe franchise means aligning with one of America’s most established and respected Tex-Mex restaurant brands. Few restaurant franchises can boast nearly a century of proven performance, consistent guest loyalty, and the power of a name that has become synonymous with great food and warm hospitality.
Here’s why entrepreneurs across the country are taking notice:
Proven Brand Legacy: Established reputation and trusted name in Tex-Mex dining since the 1940s.
Diverse Menu Appeal: A wide variety of classic and modern Tex-Mex dishes, cocktails, and desserts to attract broad demographics.
Flexible Restaurant Formats: Options for full-service dining, takeout-friendly models, and bar-centric layouts.
Comprehensive Support System: Training, marketing, and operational assistance from seasoned industry professionals.
Strong Consumer Demand: Tex-Mex cuisine continues to dominate the casual dining segment with consistent growth year-over-year.
The story of El Chico Cafe is one of authentic family tradition, passion for food, and entrepreneurial spirit. The brand’s journey began in 1926, when Adelaida Cuellar, a talented home cook and mother from Texas, began selling her famous homemade tamales at a county fair in Kaufman, Texas. Her recipes, inspired by genuine Mexican flavors and prepared with love, quickly gained a loyal following — marking the humble beginnings of what would become one of America’s most recognized Tex-Mex restaurant brands.
By 1940, Adelaida’s sons opened the first official El Chico Cafe in Dallas, Texas, introducing diners to an authentic Tex-Mex experience that celebrated both Mexican culinary heritage and Southern hospitality. The restaurant became a local sensation, setting the stage for regional and later national expansion. Over the decades, El Chico Cafe evolved into a household name, known for its warm atmosphere, festive décor, and signature dishes like enchiladas, tacos, fajitas, and margaritas.
Today, El Chico Cafe is part of the Consolidated Restaurant Operations, Inc. (CRO) family — a well-established restaurant group based in Dallas that manages multiple successful hospitality brands across the U.S. and internationally. CRO’s expertise and resources have helped modernize the El Chico concept while preserving its original spirit and traditions.
With nearly 100 years of history, El Chico Cafe remains a trusted leader in the casual dining and Tex-Mex restaurant industry, a category that continues to thrive due to strong consumer demand for flavorful, approachable, and shareable food experiences.
Currently, the brand operates around 25 locations throughout the southern United States, including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Tennessee, with ongoing franchise development efforts aimed at expanding into new high-growth territories.
The combination of El Chico Cafe’s legacy, operational consistency, and cultural authenticity makes it a standout franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking a time-tested brand with deep roots and strong future potential.
El Chico Cafe provides a complete franchise support system to help owners succeed from day one. Franchisees gain access to decades of restaurant experience, best practices, and operational tools that simplify management and boost profitability.
Pre-Launch Support:
Site selection and real estate assistance to identify high-traffic, high-visibility locations.
Restaurant layout and design guidance ensuring brand consistency and operational efficiency.
Pre-opening marketing campaigns and local buzz generation strategies.
Training Program:
Comprehensive initial training for franchisees and key staff members on food preparation, service standards, POS systems, and brand values.
In-store training at an existing El Chico Cafe location for real-world experience.
Ongoing Support:
Continuous marketing and advertising support, including digital marketing templates, social media content, and promotional calendars.
Periodic quality audits and operational consulting to ensure consistency and profitability.
Supply chain management through established vendor partnerships for cost control and product quality.
Franchisees can rely on the brand’s corporate team to guide them through every phase — from opening to daily operations and future expansion.
El Chico Cafe seeks individuals or groups with a passion for hospitality and a desire to build a long-term business in their community. The ideal franchise partner will share the brand’s commitment to quality, customer service, and the spirit of Tex-Mex celebration.
The ideal El Chico Cafe franchisee should have:
Prior experience in restaurant or retail management (preferred but not mandatory).
Strong leadership and people-management skills.
A community-oriented mindset with a focus on customer engagement.
Sufficient financial capability to invest in a multi-unit or single-unit operation.
A desire to operate in markets with strong family dining demand — ideal for suburban and metropolitan areas.
Entrepreneurs who love food, culture, and creating memorable dining experiences will find a natural fit with El Chico Cafe’s vibrant and welcoming brand personality.
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $1,200,000 – $2,500,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $500,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 – $50,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Marketing/Advertising Fee | 2% of gross sales |
| Working Capital | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| Expected ROI | 15% – 25% annually (varies by location) |
| Estimated Break-Even | 18 – 36 months |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in, catering, bar sales, takeout, and delivery |
El Chico Cafe franchise owners benefit from strong unit economics, repeat customers, and multiple income streams — from family dining and happy hour specials to private events and catering services.
