2013
25
$300,000
$30,000
$550,000
No
El Fresco is redefining the fast-casual dining experience in the USA with its authentic, made-from-scratch Mexican cuisine served in a vibrant, contemporary atmosphere. Known for its fresh ingredients, customizable menu options, and commitment to healthy eating, El Fresco has quickly become a favorite among food lovers seeking bold flavors and quick service. The brand bridges the gap between traditional Mexican street food and modern American dining preferences, offering burritos, tacos, bowls, quesadillas, and salads made with responsibly sourced ingredients.
What truly sets El Fresco apart is its focus on freshness, community connection, and operational simplicity. The franchise offers a scalable model ideal for both first-time business owners and experienced restaurateurs. Whether located in bustling city centers, suburban neighborhoods, or college towns, El Fresco’s model is built to deliver consistent quality and profitability. With rising consumer demand for fast-casual Mexican cuisine and a growing emphasis on freshness and sustainability, El Fresco is perfectly positioned for long-term success in the U.S. foodservice industry.
Investing in an El Fresco franchise means joining a proven, fast-growing brand that’s perfectly aligned with current dining trends. The brand combines affordability, flavor, and convenience—qualities that attract a wide customer base and drive repeat business.
Here’s why El Fresco stands out as a top franchise opportunity in the USA:
Booming Market Demand: The fast-casual Mexican segment continues to grow, projected to exceed $80 billion globally.
Strong Brand Identity: A fresh, modern restaurant design and clear brand voice make El Fresco recognizable and inviting.
Streamlined Operations: With an efficient kitchen setup and minimal food waste, El Fresco keeps operations lean while maintaining high margins.
Health-Conscious Menu: The franchise caters to diverse dietary needs including vegan, gluten-free, and low-calorie options.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive full operational, marketing, and training support from day one.
Established Year: 2013
Industry Category: Fast-Casual / Mexican Food Franchise
Franchise Units: 25+ operating locations across multiple U.S. states
El Fresco began with a simple idea: serve authentic, high-quality Mexican food quickly, without compromising on flavor or freshness. What started as a single local eatery quickly transformed into a growing franchise network as customer demand surged for its made-to-order meals and modern dining experience. Over the years, El Fresco has established a strong reputation for quality ingredients, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to families, professionals, and students alike.
The brand’s ownership group continues to innovate with technology integration, delivery partnerships, and sustainable practices that reduce waste and improve efficiency. As El Fresco expands across the USA, it remains committed to its core promise — fresh food, fast, and full of flavor.
El Fresco provides franchisees with a 360° support system designed to ensure long-term success. From the initial setup to daily operations and marketing, every franchise owner benefits from comprehensive guidance and tools.
Pre-Launch Support:
Site selection and lease negotiation assistance
Restaurant layout and design planning
Equipment sourcing and vendor setup
Licensing, permits, and compliance guidance
Training Programs:
Intensive franchisee training covering operations, food preparation, and customer service
On-site training for management and staff prior to opening
Ongoing access to an operations manual and online resource portal
Marketing & Ongoing Support:
National and local marketing campaigns to drive brand visibility
Digital marketing strategy, including social media, SEO, and promotional materials
Grand opening event planning and PR support
Regular field visits and business reviews by the corporate support team
Continuous menu innovation and seasonal product introductions
El Fresco’s franchise support model ensures that every owner feels equipped, confident, and supported at each stage of their business journey.
The ideal El Fresco franchise owner is an entrepreneur with a passion for food, people, and community. You don’t need prior restaurant experience — just the drive to learn, lead, and grow.
El Fresco seeks franchise partners who:
Are motivated and hands-on in daily operations
Have strong business management or leadership experience
Are passionate about delivering excellent customer experiences
Possess strong organizational and people skills
Can invest financially and emotionally in growing their business
Investment Capability:
Minimum Liquid Capital: $100,000
Net Worth: $350,000+
El Fresco welcomes both single-unit operators and multi-unit investors who share the brand’s commitment to freshness, flavor, and community connection. Ideal locations include high-traffic areas such as shopping centers, office districts, universities, and residential hubs.
| Investment Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $300,000 – $550,000 |
| Minimum Investment | $100,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 – $40,000 |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| Equipment & Inventory | $50,000 – $80,000 |
| Marketing Budget | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Working Capital | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of Gross Sales |
| Marketing Fee | 2% of Gross Sales |
| Average ROI | 25% – 35% annually |
| Break-Even Period | 18 – 24 months |
| Franchise Units (Current) | 25+ operating in the USA |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Takeout, Delivery, Catering, Merchandise |
El Fresco’s proven franchise model ensures strong unit economics with sustainable returns and repeat customer flow.
