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Taco John's

Information based on 2024 FDD
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Brand Highlights
  • Founded in 1969
  • Franchising Since 1969
  • 357 US Franchises
  • $1,330,000 - $2,079,000 Investment Range
  • $1,200,478 Average Gross Revenue
  • 5% Royalty Fee
  • $20,000 Franchise Fee
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Brand Description

Taco John's has been serving up bold, fresh Mexican-inspired fare since 1969, establishing itself as a beloved quick-service restaurant chain known for its signature Potato Olés® and distinctive West-Mex® cuisine. With a strong presence primarily in the Midwest and Mountain regions, Taco John's has cultivated a passionate following through its commitment to quality ingredients and innovative menu offerings.

What sets Taco John's apart is its dedication to preparing food fresh daily, with many items made from scratch in their kitchens. Their menu features a unique blend of traditional Mexican flavors with an American twist, creating a distinctive dining experience that keeps customers coming back. The brand has successfully carved out its niche in the competitive fast-food landscape by focusing on bold flavors, generous portions, and consistent quality.

For franchise owners, Taco John's offers a proven business model backed by over five decades of operational excellence. The company provides comprehensive training programs, marketing support, and ongoing operational guidance to help franchisees succeed. Their strategic approach to real estate selection, combined with efficient kitchen designs and streamlined operations, enables franchisees to maximize productivity and customer satisfaction.

The brand continues to evolve with changing consumer preferences, incorporating modern technology and convenience features while maintaining its commitment to authentic flavors and quality service. With a loyal customer base and strong brand recognition in its core markets, Taco John's presents an opportunity for entrepreneurs to join a well-established franchise system with room for growth and innovation in the quick-service restaurant sector.

DID YOU KNOW?

How much does it cost to start a franchise with Taco John's?

$1,330,000
$2,079,000
Did you know that launching your own Taco John's franchise - famous for their signature Potato Olés and West-Mex flavors - requires a total investment between $1,330,000 and $2,079,000, which covers everything from the franchise fee and kitchen equipment to build-out costs and working capital needed to bring this beloved regional taco chain to your community?
Financial Summary
Franchise Fee
$20,000
Investment Range
$1,330,000 - $2,079,000
Investment Midpoint
$1,704,500
Minimum Cash Required
$1,330,000
Royalty Fees
5%
Brand Fund
2% - 4%
Brand Bragging Rights
55+ years proven restaurant experience
Signature Potato Olés menu differentiation
Multi-daypart breakfast revenue opportunity
364 locations across multiple states
Established Mexican-inspired fast-food positioning
Above sub-sector average gross revenue
Financial Analysis
Taco John's requires a substantial investment of $1.33-$2.08 million, positioning it in the premium tier of fast-food franchises. This investment level significantly exceeds the sub-sector average maximum of $1.81 million, reflecting the brand's established market position and comprehensive operational infrastructure. The higher capital requirements typically include kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, initial inventory, and build-out costs for the Mexican-inspired fast-food concept.

The 364-unit system demonstrates operational maturity since its 1969 establishment, providing franchisees with proven business systems and brand recognition across multiple markets. The reported gross revenue of $1.20 million exceeds the sub-sector average, indicating strong unit-level performance within the competitive fast-food landscape.

The Mexican-inspired fast-food segment benefits from growing consumer demand for bold flavors and convenient dining options. Taco John's occupies a distinctive niche with its breakfast offerings and signature items like Potato Olés, differentiating it from traditional Mexican quick-service competitors.

Ideal investors should possess substantial liquid capital and restaurant industry experience, given the operational complexity and premium investment requirements. The brand's multi-state presence suggests strong territorial development opportunities for qualified multi-unit operators. Prospective franchisees must carefully evaluate local market demographics and competitive density, as the higher investment threshold requires markets with sufficient population density and disposable income to support unit economics. Due diligence should focus on territory rights, site selection criteria, and ongoing royalty structures outlined in the FDD.
Expected Investment Range
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Average Gross Sales
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Financing
Financing Details

Franzy connects you with top-tier financing partners to help secure the funds to invest in a franchise like Taco John's. 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
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CRF USA

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First Bank of the Lake

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Golden Capital Solutions

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Location Analysis
Taco John's maintains a strong Midwestern presence across multiple states, showing notable concentration in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota. This regional clustering suggests a well-established supply chain and brand recognition in the Upper Midwest, while also indicating significant expansion potential in untapped markets, particularly in the Southeast and coastal regions.

The franchise's substantial presence in Wisconsin and neighboring states demonstrates a successful market fit in communities with moderate population density and strong quick-service restaurant demand. While customer rating data is unavailable, the sustained presence in core markets suggests stable performance and customer loyalty in these regions.

Ideal locations for new Taco John's franchises typically include mid-sized cities and suburban areas with median household incomes between $45,000-$75,000, strong daytime population, and proximity to retail corridors or highway intersections. The brand shows particular success in markets with limited Mexican quick-service competition and communities with a mix of residential and commercial development.

Expansion opportunities exist in adjacent markets that share demographic similarities with current successful locations, particularly in states bordering the existing footprint. The strong concentration of units in the Midwest provides a solid foundation for controlled growth while maintaining operational efficiency and brand consistency.
Total US Locations364
Open Franchises357
Corporate Locations7
Average Sq. FootN/A
Territory Map

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Franchise Net Unit Growth
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Additional Information

Executive Team

Get to know the leadership behind Taco John's. Learn about the experience and expertise of the executive team guiding Taco John's's success. For more details, refer to Item 2 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Litigation

Review any legal actions or pending litigation involving Taco John's. 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 Taco John's'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 Taco John's'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).

Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer

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.

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