Tijuana Flats is a fast-casual Tex-Mex restaurant chain offering tacos, burritos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes. The franchise serves made-to-order meals with fresh ingredients and a focus on flavor in a casual dining environment.

Key Insights
- Tijuana Flats began with a vision for fresh, flavorful Tex-Mex cuisine, evolving into a vibrant restaurant concept. The business emphasizes a casual dining experience with customizable menu options, focusing on quality ingredients and efficient service for a broad customer base. This approach has allowed for steady growth and adaptation within the market.
- The franchise operates on a proven model that prioritizes customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Each location provides a unique atmosphere while maintaining core brand standards, from food preparation to guest interaction. This consistency is key to its presence.
- Tijuana Flats participates in the fast-casual dining segment, a sector known for its popularity and consumer demand for quick, quality meals. The industry offers a competitive landscape where unique flavor profiles and customer engagement are important differentiators.

Franchise Fee and Costs to Open
Exploring the financial picture of Tijuana Flats gives insight into both the upfront commitment and the potential revenue opportunity. According to FDD Item 7, opening this franchise typically involves an investment in the range of $474,550 - $893,000, along with a franchise fee of $40,000 - $40,000.
Financial Performance and Revenue
Yearly gross sales of $1,414,606 and estimated earnings of $169,753 - $212,191 show the potential financial performance of this franchise. These figures are crucial for prospective franchisees as they help to project revenue and profitability. They offer insight into the business's ability to generate income and can be used to compare its performance against other investment opportunities. The Franchise Payback Period of 4.1-6.1 provides an estimation of the time it might take for an owner to recover their initial investment. This metric is a key consideration for anyone evaluating the financial viability of a franchise, as it relates directly to the speed at which the business can become profitable. A shorter payback period can indicate a faster return on capital, which is a significant factor in making an informed decision about a franchise investment.
Training and Resources
Tijuana Flats provides comprehensive training for new franchisees. This robust program offers a deep dive into brand standards and operational excellence. The initial training, spanning two to three weeks, is held at the corporate headquarters in Orlando, Florida. Tijuana Flats also offers ongoing support and resources designed to assist franchisees.
Legal Considerations
Legal considerations for a Tijuana Flats franchisee are defined by the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and the Franchise Agreement. This franchise does not disclose lawsuits or bankruptcy information in its FDD, but prospective franchisees should still review all terms thoroughly. Consultation with a qualified attorney is essential before making commitments.
Challenges and Risks
Operating a franchised restaurant like Tijuana Flats presents several considerations. A franchisee will need to navigate local market competition, potentially from established chains and independent eateries. The business model's operational complexity requires efficient staffing and inventory management. Reliance on specific supply chains for ingredients is another factor to consider, ensuring consistent quality and availability.
Franchise Datasheet
FAQs
What is the minimum cash required to open a Tijuana Flats franchise?
How can I estimate the profitability and return on investment (ROI) of a Tijuana Flats franchise?
What is the franchisee fee for a Tijuana Flats franchise?
How to open a Tijuana Flats franchise?
How many locations does Tijuana Flats have?
Get insider access to franchise insights
Subscribe to receive expert tips, franchise rankings, and exclusive data straight to your inbox, trusted by thousands of aspiring business owners and investors.
Franchise resources & insights
Explore expert guides, data-driven articles, and tools to help you make smarter franchise decisions, whether you're just starting out or ready to invest.