- Founded in 1990
- Franchising Since 1995
- 67 US Franchises
- $320,560 - $1,112,640 Investment Range
- $828,535 Average Gross Revenue
- 5% Royalty Fee
- $30,000 Franchise Fee
Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a Baja Fresh franchise.
Get pre-qualified for financingBaja Fresh has been revolutionizing the fast-casual Mexican food landscape since 1990 with its unwavering commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and authentic flavors. Unlike traditional quick-service restaurants, Baja Fresh stands out by preparing everything fresh on-site, eschewing freezers, microwaves, and artificial additives in favor of farm-fresh produce and hand-prepared meals.
The brand's signature offering includes their renowned salsa bar, featuring a diverse selection of house-made salsas ranging from mild to spicy, allowing customers to customize their dining experience. Their menu showcases a variety of Mexican-inspired dishes, from their popular Baja-style fish tacos to generously portioned burritos that have earned praise for their consistent structural integrity and authentic taste.
What truly sets Baja Fresh apart is their core philosophy: 'Fresh is not just a word, it's a way of life.' This commitment extends beyond their food to their customer service, with locations consistently receiving praise for their friendly, professional staff and clean, welcoming environments. Their Club Baja Rewards program offers loyal customers the opportunity to earn points on purchases, receive birthday rewards, and access exclusive promotions.
Baja Fresh has positioned itself as a healthier alternative in the Mexican fast-casual segment, appealing to health-conscious consumers while maintaining the bold, authentic flavors that Mexican cuisine is known for. Whether serving individual diners or handling catering orders, Baja Fresh has established itself as a reliable choice for those seeking fresh, customizable Mexican fare in a casual, comfortable setting.
How much does it cost to start a franchise with Baja Fresh?
- Franchise Fee
- $30,000
- Investment Range
- $320,560 - $1,112,640
- Investment Midpoint
- $716,600
- Minimum Cash Required
- $320,560
- Royalty Fees
- 5%
- Brand Fund
- 4%
The brand's gross revenue of $828,535 exceeds the fast-casual sub-sector average by 19%, demonstrating solid unit-level performance within a competitive landscape dominated by larger chains. The Mexican fast-casual segment benefits from sustained consumer demand for customizable, fresh-prepared options, though faces intense competition from established players.
With 78 units and 34 years of operation since 1990, Baja Fresh represents a mature but relatively small franchise system. This limited scale may impact brand recognition and purchasing power compared to larger competitors, though it potentially offers greater franchisor attention and operational flexibility for franchisees.
Ideal investors should possess liquid capital of $400,000-500,000 and restaurant industry experience, given the operational complexity of fresh food preparation and labor management. The brand's emphasis on fire-grilled ingredients and made-to-order preparation requires strong operational execution and quality control systems. Multi-unit development opportunities may be limited by the system's current scale, making single-unit ownership the primary investment strategy for most franchisees.
Understand What It Takes to Get Started!
Discover the financial commitment required to launch this franchise. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.
Answer a few quick questions - just 15 seconds - to reveal this detail and take the first step toward your dream business!
See the Revenue Potential!
Curious about how much you could earn? The average gross sales data gives you a realistic view of the franchise's earning potential and success stories from existing franchisees.
Provide a little information about yourself (it only takes 15 seconds) to access this valuable insight and start planning your future success!
Financing Details
Franzy connects you with top-tier financing partners to help secure the funds to invest in a franchise like Baja Fresh. Whether you're looking for a loan or exploring other financial products, our partners provide expert guidance to ensure you obtain the necessary capital. They specialize in offering solutions tailored to the needs of franchisees, making the process of securing financing smooth and straightforward.
Why Financing with Franzy Partners?
Choosing to finance through Franzy's partners ensures you get the best terms and support for your franchise investment. Our partners have extensive experience in the franchising industry and offer specialized financial solutions tailored to your needs. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, you can find the right financing plan that fits your budget and goals. Our partners are committed to providing personalized guidance throughout the financing process, making it easier for you to secure the necessary funds and confidently move forward with your franchise venture.
Finance Partners
The franchise's heavy California concentration, particularly in affluent suburban areas like Temecula, indicates success in markets with higher disposable income and preference for fresh, fast-casual dining. While specific rating data is unavailable, Baja Fresh's sustained presence in competitive markets like California suggests operational resilience.
Ideal locations typically feature high-traffic suburban areas with daytime population centers, proximity to office complexes, and median household incomes above $75,000. Key success factors include locations with strong vehicle traffic, robust lunch crowds, and demographics skewing toward health-conscious millennials and families.
Significant expansion opportunities exist in the Northeast and Southeast, where the brand has limited presence. Markets with similar demographics to successful California locations, particularly in growing suburban areas with strong fast-casual dining preferences, represent prime expansion targets. However, new franchisees should consider higher operational costs in California markets versus potential opportunities in emerging territories.
Access the detailed territory map to find prime locations and see where this franchise operates. This information is vital for understanding your market potential and exclusivity rights.
Complete a short questionnaire in just a minute to uncover this map and identify the perfect territory for your business!
Track Growth to Gauge Success!
See how this franchise is expanding over time. The net unit growth reveals the health and popularity of the brand—key indicators for a promising investment.
Answer a few brief questions to access this growth data and make an informed decision about your future! It only takes 15 seconds and is completely free.
Executive Team
Get to know the leadership behind Baja Fresh. Learn about the experience and expertise of the executive team guiding Baja Fresh's success. For more details, refer to Item 2 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Litigation
Review any legal actions or pending litigation involving Baja Fresh. Understanding the legal history helps assess potential risks and the brand's business practices. For more details, refer to Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Bankruptcy
Review Baja Fresh's bankruptcy history and any filings by key personnel or affiliates. This critical information provides transparency about the brand's financial stability and management. For more details, refer to Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Franchisor Assistance
Learn about Baja Fresh's comprehensive support system for franchisees, including initial training programs and continuous operational assistance. Understanding the available resources and support structure is crucial for franchise success. For more details, refer to Item 11 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.
- Founded in 1990
- Franchising Since 1995
- 67 US Franchises
- $320,560 - $1,112,640 Investment Range
- $828,535 Average Gross Revenue
- 5% Royalty Fee
- $30,000 Franchise Fee
Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a Baja Fresh franchise.
Get pre-qualified for financing
