5 Taco Franchises We Love

Despite lockdowns, quarantines and closures, the Mexican restaurant industry, especially the fast-casual industry, has grown significantly over the past year. Currently, franchises dominate the Mexican restaurant space, and more than half of Mexican restaurants have an average annual sales of $500,000 to $1 million, positioning Mexican restaurant franchises as a lucrative option for entrepreneurs.

Here are five of our favorite taco franchises to watch this year.

Taco Bell

• Startup costs: $1.2MM-$2.6MM
• Units: 7,400+

Taco Bell is undoubtedly the most widely-recognized Mexican fast food restaurant chain, and it has been growing rapidly in recent years, opening more than 200 new locations year over year. The brand began franchising in 1964, and the number of Taco Bell locations has continued growing steadily in recent years from 5,820 locations in 2008 to more than 7,400 units currently.

Del Taco Fresh Mexican Grill

• Startup costs: $862,700-$2,136,500
• Units: 596

Del Taco Fresh Mexican Grill is a franchised fusion restaurant that brings together Mexican and American cuisine. The brand was founded in 1964 and started franchising in 1967 and has added 10 new locations in the past year.

TacoTime

• Startup costs: $331,150-$636,800
• Units: 300

TacoTime is a popular Mexican franchise inspired by the food in Southern California. The menu consists of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, salads, sides and breakfast items. The brand has experienced success in a thriving area and is now growing worldwide.

Mucho Burrito

• Startup costs: $356,000-$659,500
• Units: 145 

Mucho Burrito is a Canadian chain of fast-casual Mexican restaurants offering Mexican food that is made by hand in front of customers. The brand offers a variety of meat options, including beef barbacoa, steak, chorizo, shrimp, chicken and pork carnitas. Founded in 2006 and franchising since then, the number of locations has expanded from 62 in 2012 to the current total of 150.

Chronic Tacos Mexican Grill

• Startup costs: $296,000-$799,000
• Units: 35 

Chronic Tacos Mexican Grill is a Mexican chain that features tacos, burritos, bowls, quesadillas, salads, nachos, sides and breakfast items. The brand has been franchising since 2006, and recently they expanded from 32 locations in 2010 to the current total of 50 locations worldwide.