It’s the cuisine that’s brought us beer and burritos, tacos and tequila. It’s fresh food with zest, from beans and beef to chicken and chilli. Check out these 5 Mexican food franchises…
Funky Mexican Cantina
What you need to know
Brand started in 2012
Franchising since 2017
Capital investment: $450,000 – $650,000AUD (40% of initial establishment fee required in cash)
Length of a franchise term: 10 + 10 years
Number of outlets: 3
The business
The company behind this brand has more than 20 years of experience running casual dining concepts – 80+ Hogsbreath Australia Steakhouses are testament to this. The concept for this full-service franchised Mexican restaurant was five years in development and it employs the latest fully integrated technology, including table ordering.
The menu is based on traditional recipes and ingredients but with a unique twist.
Guzman y Gomez Mexican Taqueria
What you need to know
Brand started in 2006
Franchising since 2007
Capital investment: $500,000-$1.4m
Number of outlets: 82
The business
Guzman y Gomez taquerias serve fast fresh food in three different store formats: food courts, strips, and drive through.
Guzman y Gomez now has 76 taquerias in Australia and six in Asia. More than 30 taquerias opened in the past two years.
The brand is inspired by founder Steven Marks’ experience of Latin culture and Mexican food that surrounded him in his home town of New York.
GYG has a strong leadership team with a big presence on the board and executive from McDonald’s including CEO Mark Hawthorne and chairman Guy Russo.
Mad Mex Fresh Mexican Grill
What you need to know
Brand started in 2007
Franchising since 2009
Capital investment: $375,000 – $450,000 (+ GST)
Length of a franchise term: 5 + 5 years
Number of outlets: 65
The business
The casual dining restaurant brand has an authentic Baja Mexican menu at its heart. It’s based on a fusion of Southern Californian and Northern Mexican cuisine.
Head honcho and founder Clovis Young says “Our goal is to become the most loved and respected Mexican food brand in Australia.”
Mad Mex Fresh Mexican Grill weekly feeds more than 70,000. Over the next three years, the company plans to open more than 20 stores with the goal of growing its Australian footprint.
Franchisees undertake a six-week training course and have ongoing access to online training tools, marketing materials and support.
Salsas
What you need to know
Brand started in 2004
Franchising since 2008
Capital investment: Food court model $430,000 – $480,000 + GST; Casual dining$575,000 – $650,000 + GST
Length of a franchise term: 7 years
Number of outlets: 46
The business
Salsas has been owned by Boost Juice parent company Retail Zoo Pty Ltd since 2007. That gives the brand access to the same growth platform, systems and structures that developed the Boost Juice chain to more than 485 stores across 18 countries.
New franchisees complete a four-week training programme before opening a Salsas business. The cost for the training is $14,000 + GST.
Franchisees are supported by an in-house marketing and digital team which helps deliver national and local area advertising campaigns.
Zambrero
What you need to know
Brand started in 2005
Franchising since 2007
Capital investment: $250,000 – $650,000. Kiosk, food court, strip shop and drive through available.
Length of a franchise term: 7 years
Number of outlets: 184
The business
Mexican with a mission – to combat world hunger. Every burrito or bowl sold equates to a meal donated to someone in need in the developing world through the Plate 4 Plate initiative. And for every retail item purchased, a meal is donated to someone in an underprivileged Australian community.
The menu puts the spotlight on modern, superfood ingredients. The food is freshly-made with gluten and dairy free, vegetarian and vegan-friendly options.
The restaurant chain has more than 180 outlets across Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Ireland and US.
A three week induction program teaches franchisees about store operations with both subject matter training, and real-life in-restaurant experience.
Marketing support includes brand strategy, national marketing strategy, content and campaigns; regional marketing strategy and local area marketing support; creative material and graphic design; digital, website, social media and loyalty.