Established
2009
Franchise Units
1
Minimum Investment
$250,000
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Total Investment Range
$550,000
Home Based
No
Description
Jose Chiquito has steadily grown into one of the most recognizable fast-casual Mexican food concepts for customers seeking bold, satisfying, freshly prepared meals that feel both comforting and modern. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, flavor-packed menu, and consistent service experience, the brand has built a loyal following across its locations. As American consumers continue leaning toward quick service restaurants with real ingredients and cultural authenticity, Jose Chiquito has positioned itself as a standout franchise option in the booming Mexican fast-casual category.
What sets the brand apart is its commitment to quality without complicating the operational model. Every dish—from burritos and bowls to signature plates—reflects the brand’s roots while ensuring franchisees can maintain smooth operations, strong throughput, and predictable labor needs. As the U.S. restaurant landscape shifts toward flavorful, affordable dining options with high repeat-visit potential, Jose Chiquito is capturing market share by staying true to its identity: hearty meals, fast service, and an inviting community feel.
For investors, the franchise provides an opportunity to step into a proven, scalable business model backed by recognizable branding, operational simplicity, and strong consumer demand. Whether you are a first-time entrepreneur or an experienced multi-unit owner, Jose Chiquito offers an attractive pathway into one of the fastest-growing restaurant sectors in the country.
Why Invest in the Jose Chiquito Franchise?
1. A Category Experiencing Explosive Growth
Mexican fast-casual dining remains one of the most profitable categories in the U.S. quick-service industry. With strong daily demand and all-day menu appeal, franchisees enjoy high foot traffic and consistent ticket averages.
2. Strong Brand Identity and Repeat Customer Loyalty
Jose Chiquito is widely known for generous portions, accessible pricing, and a menu built for repeat visits. This combination creates strong customer retention and predictable revenue.
3. Streamlined Operations Designed for Scalability
The brand has intentionally developed a system that keeps kitchen complexity low while maintaining menu quality. This makes staffing, training, and multi-unit expansion significantly easier for franchise operators.
4. Flexible Footprint Options
Whether a high-visibility inline unit, an end-cap with patio seating, or a non-traditional location like food courts and campuses, Jose Chiquito adapts well to different real estate scenarios.
5. Strong Marketing & Local Store Support
The franchise emphasizes digital marketing, community engagement, and brand-level promotional campaigns. Combined with the brand’s vibrant visual identity, franchisees benefit from continuous customer attention.
Background
Established Year: 2009
Founders: José Ramirez (Lead Founder), Luis Herrera, and Marco Castillo
Franchise Active Units: 1 active franchise units
Jose Chiquito began in 2009 when founder José Ramirez, a lifelong culinary enthusiast with roots in traditional Mexican cooking, set out to create a fast-casual concept that blended authentic flavors with a modern, efficient service model. Ramirez partnered with seasoned restaurateurs Luis Herrera and Marco Castillo, who brought extensive experience in multi-unit foodservice operations and hospitality systems. Together, they shaped a restaurant brand built on bold flavors, generous portions, and the kind of everyday comfort food Americans increasingly crave.
The first Jose Chiquito location opened as a neighborhood eatery—casual, welcoming, and unapologetically flavor focused. Word of mouth quickly spread, and demand grew faster than expected. As customer traffic climbed and the brand refined its operational systems, the founders recognized the scalability of the model. By 2014, Jose Chiquito began expanding into additional company-owned and franchise locations.
Over the years, the brand developed a strong presence across several U.S. regions, particularly in suburban communities, busy retail corridors, and mixed-use developments. With the rising popularity of Mexican fast-casual dining and an effective operational playbook, Jose Chiquito evolved into a recognizable multi-unit chain with 1 active franchise units and several more under development.
Today, the company operates within the Fast-Casual Mexican / Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) category—one of the fastest-growing and most resilient segments in the U.S. foodservice industry. Known for quality, value, and consistency, Jose Chiquito continues to attract franchise partners who want a proven concept supported by dedicated leadership, structured systems, and a brand identity that resonates with modern American consumers.
Support Training
Jose Chiquito invests heavily in franchisee preparation and long-term support to ensure partners operate confidently from opening day onward. Support includes:
1. Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and demographic analysis
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Lease negotiation assistance
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Restaurant design, architectural layouts, and contractor recommendations
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Equipment package specifications
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Pre-opening marketing plan to build community awareness
2. Comprehensive Training
Franchisees and key staff undergo detailed training covering:
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Menu preparation
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Kitchen operations and line workflow
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Food safety and quality control
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Customer service standards
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Technology systems (POS, reporting, operations software)
Training takes place both at corporate and in-store locations.
3. Operational Support
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Step-by-step operations manuals
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Inventory management systems
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Vendor onboarding and supply chain support
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Labor and scheduling guidance
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Ongoing performance evaluations and store audits
4. Marketing & Brand Support
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National campaigns, seasonal promotions, and social media content
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Local store marketing strategies
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Graphic templates and brand assets
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Digital advertising resources
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Public relations and reputation management assistance
5. Continuous Ongoing Support
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Field visits from franchise support teams
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Regular menu innovation updates
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Operational improvements and system upgrades
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Quarterly franchise performance sessions
This full support ecosystem ensures every franchise partner stays aligned with brand standards while maximizing efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
Ideal Candidate
Jose Chiquito is designed for entrepreneurs who want to step into a fast-casual concept with strong brand traction and growth potential. The ideal franchise candidate includes:
1. Passion for Hospitality & Community
Someone who enjoys creating a welcoming, energetic dining environment and building local connections.
2. Business-Minded Operators
Candidates with experience in hospitality, retail, multi-unit operations, or management are ideal—but first-time franchisees with strong leadership skills are also well-suited.
3. Strong Operational Discipline
Franchisees who are detail-oriented, committed to following proven systems, and able to maintain quality and consistency across their location.
4. Financial Capability
The brand seeks partners with sufficient liquidity and net worth to open and scale locations comfortably.
5. Location Flexibility
Ideal franchisees are open to high-visibility retail strips, suburban centers, drive-thru-friendly sites, and mixed-use developments.
6. Long-Term Growth Mindset
The brand favors franchisees interested in owning multiple units and building a strong regional presence.
Financial Detail
Below are typical financial considerations for a Jose Chiquito franchise (may vary by location, buildout, and market):
• Total Investment Required: $250,000 – $550,000
• Minimum Liquid Capital Required: $80,000 – $150,000
• Franchise Fee: $25,000 – $40,000
• Franchise Units: Traditional inline or end-cap units, 1,000–1,800 sq. ft.
• Infrastructure Buildout Cost: $120,000 – $280,000 depending on site condition
• Equipment & Kitchen Setup: $60,000 – $110,000
• Marketing Budget (Grand Opening): $10,000 – $20,000
• Monthly Local Marketing Spend: 1–3% of revenue recommended
• Working Capital: $20,000 – $50,000
• Royalty Fees: 4–6% of gross sales
• National Marketing Fund Contribution: 1–2% of gross sales
Expected ROI & Performance Timeline
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Estimated Break-Even: 8–16 months depending on market and traffic
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Potential Revenue Streams:
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Dine-in
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Take-out
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Delivery partnerships
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Catering
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Group orders
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Limited-time specials
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Local events & food programs
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Franchisees benefit from a business model designed for strong unit economics, high repeat visits, and consistent customer demand.