2007
80
$330,000
$25,000
$580,000
No
Hot Head Burritos is one of America’s fastest-growing fast-casual Mexican restaurant franchises, known for its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and customizable burritos, bowls, tacos, and nachos. Established with a vision to bring a fiery twist to the Mexican dining experience, Hot Head Burritos has successfully carved a niche in the competitive quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry. Customers love its “Make it Hot” concept — offering multiple sauces ranging from mild to blazing — making every meal a personalized flavor adventure.
The franchise combines affordability, fast service, and an inviting atmosphere, appealing to both dine-in and takeout audiences. With the rise of fresh-Mex cuisine across the U.S., Hot Head Burritos stands out for its commitment to freshness, high-quality proteins, vegetarian options, and a modern brand identity that resonates with today’s consumers seeking flavor-packed, convenient meals.
From bustling city centers to suburban neighborhoods and college towns, Hot Head Burritos has proven to be a profitable franchise model that adapts easily to different market environments. Franchisees benefit from a tested business model, national brand recognition, and a strong customer loyalty base, making it an attractive investment opportunity in the fast-casual dining sector.
Investing in a Hot Head Burritos franchise means joining a brand that balances innovation with operational simplicity. The franchise model offers:
Proven Track Record: With consistent growth since its inception, the franchise has built a loyal customer base and strong market credibility.
High Demand for Fresh-Mex Cuisine: The U.S. market continues to show strong appetite for customizable Mexican-style food, with Hot Head Burritos positioned perfectly within this trend.
Flexible Location Options: The brand thrives in urban centers, suburban plazas, near universities, and in food court settings — offering scalability and location adaptability.
Modern Marketing Support: Franchisees benefit from ongoing digital marketing campaigns, social media exposure, loyalty programs, and community engagement initiatives designed to increase customer traffic.
Streamlined Operations: With an easy-to-manage menu and efficient kitchen setup, Hot Head Burritos provides an operationally efficient business that doesn’t require a culinary background.
Hot Head Burritos was founded in 2007 in Dayton, Ohio, by Ray and Cynthia Wiley, experienced entrepreneurs passionate about flavorful, fast, and fresh food. The Wileys identified a growing demand for a quick-service Mexican dining experience that offered customization and spice variety — and thus, Hot Head Burritos was born.
Since opening its first store, the franchise has expanded rapidly across the United States, boasting over 80 franchise locations across multiple states including Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Florida, and beyond. The brand operates under Hot Head Franchising, LLC, a company committed to maintaining consistent quality and franchisee satisfaction.
Hot Head Burritos belongs to the Fast-Casual Restaurant industry and continues to build its reputation as a bold, youthful, and customer-driven brand. Its focus on fresh ingredients, efficient operations, and friendly service has earned it a strong foothold in the $70+ billion Mexican QSR market segment.
Hot Head Burritos provides comprehensive support from the moment you sign your franchise agreement through every stage of business operation. The brand’s franchise development and operations teams are dedicated to ensuring each franchisee is well-prepared and supported to thrive.
Pre-Opening Support:
Site selection assistance and lease negotiation support
Store design, layout, and construction guidance
Vendor coordination for equipment and initial inventory
Pre-launch marketing and community engagement planning
Training Program:
Intensive initial training (2-3 weeks) at a certified training location covering operations, management, food preparation, customer service, and marketing
Hands-on training for staff and management before the grand opening
Ongoing Support:
Continuous operational consulting and performance monitoring
Access to proprietary recipes, product innovations, and menu updates
National marketing campaigns, local store marketing tools, and social media guidance
Regular regional meetings, workshops, and annual franchise conferences to stay aligned with brand growth strategies
Hot Head Burritos seeks passionate entrepreneurs who share its vision for bold flavors and exceptional guest experiences. The ideal franchisee is:
Business-Oriented: Individuals with prior management or restaurant experience are preferred but not mandatory; strong leadership and organizational skills are key.
Customer-Focused: A people-oriented entrepreneur who values service excellence and community engagement.
Financially Prepared: Franchisees should have the financial capacity to manage startup costs, operational expenses, and initial working capital.
Growth-Minded: Interested in expanding through multi-unit ownership or developing new territories.
Location-Savvy: Ideal candidates look for high-traffic areas, shopping centers, near universities, or urban communities with strong lunchtime and dinner crowds.
Whether you’re an experienced restaurateur or a motivated first-time investor, Hot Head Burritos offers an approachable and rewarding business opportunity backed by a seasoned support team.
| Investment Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Range | $330,000 – $580,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $100,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fee | 2% of gross sales (national and local marketing) |
| Working Capital | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Expected ROI | Typically within 2–3 years |
| Break-Even Time | Estimated 12–18 months |
| Average Store Size | 1,600 – 2,000 sq. ft. |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Takeout, Online Orders, Catering, and Delivery Services |
| Franchise Units (2025) | 80+ operating across USA |
With a balanced initial investment and strong brand recognition, Hot Head Burritos represents a lucrative opportunity for investors seeking to enter or expand in the fast-casual restaurant sector.
