Baja Fresh Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Baja Fresh is a fast-casual restaurant franchise that serves Mexican-inspired dishes, including burritos, tacos, and salads, offering fresh and flavorful options made with high-quality ingredients and bold flavors.

Founded in 1990, Baja Fresh has built a reputation as a standout franchise in the fast-casual dining industry, known for its steadfast dedication to delivering fresh and high-quality Mexican food.

Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, and managed by MTY Franchising USA, Inc., Baja Fresh has made a notable mark in the market with its fresh twist on traditional Mexican cuisine.

The franchise offers a diverse menu featuring Mexican favorites such as burritos, tacos, and salads, along with a variety of signature dishes that cater to a broad audience looking for healthier dining options.

Baja Fresh started franchising in 1998, offering investors the chance to join the growing fast-casual restaurant sector. Highlighting the increasing popularity of Mexican food in the United States, Baja Fresh has positioned itself as a leading provider of fresh, top-notch Mexican meals.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Baja Fresh offers 2 types of franchises:

Type of Expenditure Amount
Traditional Baja Fresh® Restaurant Initial Investment $428,560 to $1,012,290
Single Baja Fresh® Non-Traditional Restaurant Initial Investment $224,950 to $777,200

We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Traditional  Baja Fresh restaurant franchise.

For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).

Baja Fresh Traditional Restaurant

Type of Expenditure Amount
Architect; Engineer; Drawings $15,750 – $25,000
Permits $5,000 – $32,000
Leasehold / Construction (Base building, Interior Improvements, Lighting, Tile, Millwork, Seat Fee Assessment) $187,000 – $418,500
Signage $10,500 – $17,000
POS System $11,000 – $20,000
Computer System $800 – $1,200
Kitchen Equipment; Smallwares; Furniture $100,000 – $318,500
Inventory; Uniforms $4,000 – $8,000
Advertising $2,500 – $10,000
Pre-opening Training Expenses $11,610 – $21,090
Lease & Security Deposits $10,000 – $15,000
Insurance - Liability & Workers Compensation (Initial Deposit) $2,000 – $4,000
Legal Fees $1,000 – $3,000
Initial Franchise Fee $12,000 – $30,000
Depository Account $3,000
Lease Review Fee $0 – $2,500
Grand Opening Marketing $10,000
Additional Funds (3 Months) $42,400 – $73,500
Grand Total $428,560 – $1,012,290

Franchise Disclosure Document

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Training 

The franchisor offers an extensive training program for franchisees, which includes "In-Store Training" and "New Owner Training."

In-Store Training: This segment includes around 240 hours of practical training, where participants learn the operational aspects of running the franchise. It covers essential elements of day-to-day operations such as food preparation, customer service, and store management.

New Owner Training: This part consists of approximately 40 hours, focusing on the core principles of managing the franchise. Depending on the franchisor's preference, this training can be conducted online or in person. In-person training typically takes place at the franchisor's training and education center in Scottsdale, Arizona, or at another specified location.

Franchisees are responsible for covering all costs related to transportation, food, lodging, and other personal expenses during the training. The program is mandatory for up to two individuals involved with the franchise, with at least one having an ownership interest.

Additionally, the franchisor may require franchisees and their managers to participate in extra training sessions if the business does not meet the franchisor's system standards.

Territory Protection

The Baja Fresh Franchise Disclosure Document specifies that even if a franchise agreement includes a designated territory for the franchisee, the franchisor retains the right to compete within that area. This means the franchisor can open its own outlets or grant franchises to other individuals within the existing franchisee's territory.

While there might be some level of territorial consideration, it does not offer absolute protection from competition by the franchisor within that designated territory.

Number of units

2025
Franchised units

77

67

67

Company-owned units

7

11

6

Total units

84

78

73

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