Best Mexican Restaurant Franchises To Buy in 2021

Burritos, tacos, bowls — Mexican food is a big business in the U.S. With 55,755 Mexican food restaurants across the country, the international food style is the second most common menu type in the U.S. and constitutes 8% of the national restaurant industry. 

Mexican food is a cuisine that’s primed for franchising thanks to its affordability, loyalty-building consumer offering and adaptable menu. Although the Mexican food restaurant segment suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic like the rest of the industry, brands have been finding ways to pivot their business model and appeal to a growing demand for takeout and delivery services. Plus, Mexican food’s low price point makes it more resistant to economically challenging times. 

Now, as the economy recovers, franchisees can leverage the infrastructure, support and brand recognition of a proven Mexican restaurant franchise to take advantage of pent-up consumer demand. 

Here are 10 of the most exciting Mexican restaurant franchise opportunities to buy in 2021.

Fuzzy's Taco Shop

• Startup costs: $771,000-$1,100,000
• Units: 140
• 1851 Brand Newsroom

California Tortilla

• Startup costs: $432,000-$698,000
• Units: 39
• 1851 Brand Newsroom

Taco Bell

• Startup costs: $571,000-$3,000,000
• Units: 7,400

Moe's Southwest Grill

• Startup costs: $457,000-$912,000
• Units: 697

Del Taco

• Startup costs: $860,000-$2,100,000
• Units: 596

Qdoba Mexican Eats

• Startup costs: $476,000-$1,100,000
• Units: 736

Bubbakoo's Burritos

• Startup costs: $132,000-$398,000
• Units: 36

Taco John's

• Startup costs: $475,000-$1,600,000
• Units: 387

Baja Fresh

• Startup costs: $324,000-$974,000
• Units: 113

America's Taco Shop

• Startup costs: $247,000-$710,000
• Units: 7