Established
2010
Franchise Units
15
Minimum Investment
$300,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$600,000
Home Based
No
Description
El Limon is one of the most exciting and fast-growing Mexican restaurant franchises in the United States, known for its fresh ingredients, authentic recipes, and warm hospitality. Originating in the heart of Pennsylvania, El Limon has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of customers with its genuine Mexican taqueria experience—serving tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and homemade sauces that reflect true culinary tradition.
With its fast-casual format, streamlined operations, and family-friendly environment, El Limon offers franchisees the perfect blend of authenticity and profitability. The brand’s emphasis on quality, community connection, and consistent service has helped it become a household name in many local neighborhoods. Whether customers are dining in or grabbing takeout, every visit feels like a trip to Mexico — full of vibrant flavors, friendly smiles, and exceptional value.
For investors looking to enter the booming fast-casual Mexican food segment, the El Limon franchise offers an established business model, a trusted brand name, and the backing of an experienced leadership team dedicated to long-term success
Why Invest in the El Limon Franchise?
The Mexican restaurant category remains one of the most profitable and fastest-growing food segments in the United States — valued at over $80 billion annually. El Limon stands out by offering an authentic dining experience combined with the efficiency of a modern fast-casual model.
Here’s why El Limon is an outstanding investment opportunity:
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Proven Concept: With years of operational success, El Limon’s model is built on consistency, simplicity, and scalability.
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Strong Brand Identity: Customers love its genuine Mexican dishes and inviting atmosphere, resulting in high customer loyalty and repeat business.
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Fast Casual Advantage: The franchise operates with quick service, minimal waste, and lower overheads compared to full-service restaurants.
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Comprehensive Training & Support: Franchisees receive end-to-end support, from location selection to grand opening and beyond.
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Growing Market Demand: Mexican cuisine continues to dominate the U.S. dining market, with consumer preference shifting toward flavorful, customizable, and affordable meals.
Background
Founded: 2010
Founders: Antonio Hernandez and family
Headquarters: Ambler, Pennsylvania, USA
Franchise Units: 15+ locations across Pennsylvania and expanding into neighboring states
Industry Category: Fast Casual / Mexican Restaurant
El Limon began as a small taqueria with a mission to bring authentic Mexican food to the local community. Using family recipes passed down through generations, the founders built a loyal following through word-of-mouth and consistent quality. Over time, the brand’s popularity soared, leading to new store openings and the creation of a structured franchise system designed for sustainable growth.
Today, El Limon operates multiple successful locations and continues to expand across the U.S., maintaining its commitment to quality, hospitality, and authentic Mexican culture.
Support Training
El Limon’s franchise program is designed to ensure that franchise partners are fully equipped to succeed from day one. The brand provides:
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Pre-Opening Support:
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Site selection and lease negotiation assistance
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Restaurant layout, design, and construction guidance
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Vendor and supplier connections for authentic ingredients
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Marketing and PR support for your grand opening
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Comprehensive Training:
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In-store operational training for owners and staff
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Food preparation and quality assurance processes
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Customer service standards and safety training
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Ongoing Support:
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Regular field visits and performance reviews
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National and local marketing campaigns
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New menu innovation and product updates
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Continuous access to business management tools and resources
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Franchisees benefit from a hands-on corporate team dedicated to helping them operate efficiently and profitably while maintaining El Limon’s brand standards.
Ideal Candidate
El Limon is searching for motivated entrepreneurs who share the brand’s dedication to authentic food, community connection, and outstanding customer service. This franchise is ideal for individuals who are passionate about hospitality, teamwork, and building a thriving business under a respected name in the fast-casual dining sector.
Here’s what makes the perfect El Limon franchise owner:
1. Passion for Food and Culture
Successful franchisees have a genuine love for authentic Mexican cuisine and a deep appreciation for cultural authenticity. They understand the importance of maintaining flavor consistency, presentation, and the warm atmosphere that makes El Limon a community favorite.
2. Entrepreneurial Mindset
El Limon franchisees should be proactive business builders — people who take ownership, are willing to learn, and are ready to adapt. Whether you’re a seasoned restaurant operator or a first-time business owner, a growth-driven mindset is essential for long-term success.
3. Strong Management and Leadership Skills
Running an El Limon restaurant requires excellent leadership. Franchisees must be able to recruit, train, and motivate their teams to deliver consistent customer satisfaction and uphold brand standards daily.
4. Financial Capability
El Limon franchise owners should have sufficient financial resources to cover initial setup costs, operations, and marketing efforts during the early growth phase. Typically, qualified candidates have:
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Minimum Liquid Capital: $150,000
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Net Worth: $400,000 or more
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Access to financing or strong financial management skills
5. Commitment to Brand Standards
Franchisees must maintain El Limon’s proven systems, recipes, and service processes. Consistency is key to preserving the brand’s reputation, and El Limon values partners who uphold quality and cleanliness at every location.
6. Community-Oriented Personality
El Limon thrives in communities where relationships matter. The best franchisees engage locally—sponsoring events, supporting schools, and fostering loyal customer relationships that drive repeat business.
7. Preferred Background
While restaurant experience is beneficial, it’s not mandatory. Ideal backgrounds include:
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Hospitality or retail management
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Business ownership or operations
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Sales or customer service roles
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Multi-unit or regional franchise management experience
8. Location Preference
El Limon performs exceptionally well in:
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Suburban and urban areas with diverse demographics
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High-traffic retail centers and lifestyle plazas
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College towns and family-oriented communities
Financial Detail
Below is a detailed breakdown of the estimated financial requirements and potential returns for owning an El Limon franchise in the USA. These figures are designed to provide a transparent look at startup costs, operational expenses, and expected performance metrics for qualified investors.
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 – $45,000 | One-time fee granting the right to operate under the El Limon brand, access proprietary recipes, systems, and training. |
| Total Initial Investment | $300,000 – $600,000 | Includes build-out, equipment, signage, training, permits, and initial inventory. Costs vary by location size and market. |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $150,000 | Cash or easily accessible funds needed to cover upfront costs and working capital. |
| Net Worth Requirement | $400,000+ | Recommended overall financial stability for qualified franchise applicants. |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of Gross Sales | Ongoing fee paid to the franchisor for brand use, operational support, and system improvements. |
| Marketing/Advertising Fee | 2% of Gross Sales | Contributes to national and local marketing campaigns, digital promotions, and brand advertising. |
| Leasehold Improvements | $100,000 – $200,000 | Costs for site renovation, décor, and construction to match El Limon’s brand standards. |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $75,000 – $120,000 | Includes kitchen equipment, POS systems, furniture, and signage. |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $10,000 – $15,000 | Food, packaging, and supplies for opening inventory. |
| Training Expenses | $5,000 – $10,000 | Covers travel, lodging, and training costs for franchisee and initial staff. |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $5,000 – $10,000 | Local marketing initiatives to promote the store’s launch and attract early customers. |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $50,000 – $75,000 | Funds reserved for daily operations until break-even is achieved. |
| Expected ROI (Return on Investment) | 20% – 30% annually | Estimated annual return based on location performance and management efficiency. |
| Break-Even Timeline | 18 – 30 months | Typical time frame for a new franchise to cover initial costs and reach profitability. |
| Revenue Streams | Variable | Dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering, and third-party delivery partnerships. |