What Are the Most Popular Taco Franchises in 2024?

As the demand for Mexican cuisine continues to rise, taco franchises have become a prominent player in the restaurant industry. 

To help you narrow down your search, we’ve compiled a list of 10 of the most popular taco franchises in 2024. 

Taco Bell

• Investment Range: $576K–$3.4 million
• Unit Count: 8,200+

Taco Bell, established in 1962 by Glen Bell in Downey, California, has become one of the most globally recognized taco franchises. In the United States alone, Taco Bell and its franchisees cater to over 40 million customers weekly.

Del Taco

• Investment Range: $812,700–$2,467,500
• Unit Count: 590+

Since 1964, Del Taco has been serving freshly prepared tacos at a value. As the second largest brand in the Mexican quick service restaurant (QSR) industry, this franchise is known for favorites such as The Del Taco,Crunchtada Tostada and Guac’d Up Tacos. 

Taco Bueno

• Investment Range: $639K–$1.6 million
• Unit Count: 180+

Founded in 1967 in Abilene, Texas, Taco Bueno aimed to bring fresh, authentic Mexican food to the community. With over 180 stores in seven states, the franchise is actively seeking growth and targets individuals with restaurant operating experience, hands-on involvement and a strong work ethic. 

Rusty Taco

• Investment Range: $532K–$1.1 million
• Unit Count: 30+

Established in 2010, the first Rusty Taco in Dallas, Texas, introduced an authentic, street-taco-inspired menu to the neighborhood, replicating a traditional taco stand experience. Rusty Taco provides a fast-casual Mexican dining experience, offering a tasty menu including breakfast, lunch, happy hour, dinner and catering options.

Taco John’s

• Investment Range: $942K–$1.3 million
• Unit Count: 365+

Originating as a single-taco stand in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Taco John's has evolved into one of the nation's largest taco franchise restaurants. In addition to its delicious tacos, the brand is known for its bite-sized, deep-fried potato nuggets called "Potato Olés." 

TacoTime

• Investment Range: $331,150–$762,800
• Unit Count: 300+

TacoTime, founded in 1960 to cater to hungry college students in Eugene, Oregon, has turned into a premier Mexican restaurant franchise with over 300 locations. The brand, known for its fresh ingredients, is actively seeking entrepreneurs interested in bringing Mexican cuisine to their communities, primarily in the United States and Canada. 

Moe’s

• Investment Range: $659,075–$1,839,390
• Unit Count: 600+

Founded in 2000, Moe's Southwest Grill is a fast-casual franchise specializing in Tex-Mex cuisine, known for its customizable tacos, burritos and bowls. Customers can choose from a variety of proteins, toppings and sauces to create their own personalized meals.

Salsarita’s

• Investment Range: $483K–$684K
• Unit Count: 80+

Salsarita's is a vibrant Mexican counter-service chain known for its customizable burritos, nachos, tacos and quesadillas. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, it operates over 80 company-owned and franchised restaurants across the United States, with plans for further expansion with franchise partners who have restaurant or hospitality experience.

QDOBA

• Investment Range: $489,200–$1,178,000
• Unit Count: 600+

Founded in 1995 as "Zuma Fresh Mexican Grill" in Denver, Colorado, Qdoba has expanded into one of the most popular Mexican restaurant franchises. The restaurant offers a made-to-order menu with burrito bowls, quesadillas and tacos, and provides catering selections for larger gatherings.

Pancheros

• Investment Range: $500K–$1,208,000
• Unit Count: 70+

Midwestern QSR Pancheros is renowned for its signature fresh, handmade tortillas. The menu features tacos served on freshly made flour tortillas, offering a choice of marinated and grilled meat or tofu with accompaniments such as lettuce, cheese and salsa.

Whether you’re looking to be a part of Taco Bell’s global expansion or want to be a pioneer of an emerging brand like Rusty Taco, you can’t go wrong with any of these brands and their tasty tacos.