Taco Cabana Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Taco Cabana is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant franchise serving tacos, fajitas, and freshly prepared salsas in a relaxed, colorful setting.

Founded in 1991 by Felix Stehling in San Antonio, Texas, Taco Cabana began as a humble taco stand in a repurposed Dairy Queen building. The restaurant's open-air patio concept and 24-hour service quickly garnered a loyal following, setting the stage for its expansion.

Today, Taco Cabana is headquartered in San Antonio and operates numerous locations across Texas.

In 2023, Taco Cabana launched its franchising program, allowing the brand to extend its reach beyond Texas.

Taco Cabana's menu features a variety of Tex-Mex favorites, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and their signature margaritas. The brand differentiates itself through its commitment to fresh, handmade food and a vibrant, patio-style dining experience.

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.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $35,000 - $45,000
Grand Opening Advertising $10,000
Real Estate $25,000 - $150,000
Construction/Leasehold Improvements $635,000 - $1,685,000
Travel and Living Expenses While Training $9,500 - $14,000
Furnishing, Fixtures, Equipment $274,000 - $322,000
Signage $60,000 - $155,000
Initial Inventory $25,000 - $30,000
Miscellaneous Opening Costs $100,000 - $180,000
Register or Point of Sale System $18,000 - $50,000
Additional Funds - 3 Months $75,000 - $135,000
Total $1,266,500 - $2,776,200
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $35,000 - $45,000
Grand Opening Advertising $10,000
Real Estate $25,000 - $150,000
Construction/Leasehold Improvements $635,000 - $1,685,000
Travel and Living Expenses While Training $9,500 - $14,000
Furnishing, Fixtures, Equipment $274,000 - $322,000
Signage $60,000 - $155,000
Initial Inventory $25,000 - $30,000
Miscellaneous Opening Costs $100,000 - $180,000
Register or Point of Sale System $18,000 - $50,000
Additional Funds - 3 Months $75,000 - $135,000
Total $1,266,500 - $2,776,200

Taco Cabana

2025

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

Taco Cabana provides an extensive training program designed to equip franchisees and their staff with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate a successful restaurant. The training is structured in several phases:

  1. Initial Training Program (ITP)
    Before opening, the Operating Principal, General Manager, and two other designated managers must complete the ITP. This program may be held at Taco Cabana-operated facilities, designated training centers, or online, and includes certification in ServSafe food safety. Attendance is required and all associated costs such as travel and lodging are borne by the franchisee.
  2. Franchise Operator Training Activities
    This includes in-restaurant, virtual, and classroom sessions tailored to operational roles. Topics cover shift leadership, general management, new product launches, equipment, and operational initiatives. Each segment has designated hours with both theoretical and practical components.
  3. Opening Assistance
    At the time of launch, Taco Cabana may provide in-person help with training staff and setting up operations, depending on the franchisee’s needs and the availability of corporate staff. Additional support beyond standard assistance may incur fees.

Territory Protection

Taco Cabana provides limited territory protection through what it terms a “Protected Area.” In urban regions, this typically spans four city blocks in each direction from the franchise’s front door.

In suburban and rural areas, protection may include a surrounding population of at least 30,000 residents or a one-mile radius, respectively, within which Taco Cabana will not authorize or operate another restaurant, assuming the franchisee remains in compliance.

However, this protection comes with significant exceptions. Taco Cabana reserves the right to operate in the Protected Area through venues like airports, universities, military bases, and other captive market locations.

Competitors

Below are some of

Taco Cabana

key competitors in the

Mexican

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Sign up
Gross Profit
Sign up
EBITDA
Sign up

6

New
+
0%
0%

$45,000

$1,267,000

$2,776,000

n.a.

$1,452,000

$xxx,xxx

73.3%

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Taco Rico or Taco Works

Taco Rico / Taco Works is a Tex-Mex restaurant franchise offering tacos, burritos, fajitas, chimichangas, salads, and salsa bars, serving families and office crowds, and known for quick counter service, complimentary chips, and approachable, value-focused neighborhood locations.

Franchisees

?

3
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$155,000 - $341,000

Mike's Red Tacos

Mike's Red Tacos is a fast-casual Mexican franchise offering birria tacos, quesadillas, and shareable plates, serving flavor-driven diners and late-night crowds, and known for richly stewed meats, vibrant red tortillas, lively branding, and roots in San Diego’s taco culture.

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$640,000 - $1,988,000

Mucho Burrito

Mucho Burrito is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant franchise offering burritos, bowls, tacos, and catering, serving lunch and dinner guests seeking bold flavors, and known for fresh-prepared ingredients, customizable entrees, and a contemporary brand backed by strong training and support.

Franchisees

?

1
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$470,000 - $925,000

District Taco

District Taco is a fast-casual Mexican franchise offering made-to-order tacos, bowls and margaritas, serving lunch and dinner crowds, and known for fresh ingredients, bold regional flavors and franchise growth momentum.

Franchisees

?

2
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$734,000 - $1,458,000

Chronic Tacos

Chronic Tacos is a fast-casual franchise offering customizable tacos, burritos, bowls, and Mexican favorites, serving lunch and late-night diners, and known for fresh ingredients, made-to-order prep, and a laid-back California vibe.

Franchisees

?

29
+
-36%
-36%
Investment

?

$284,000 - $884,000

Taco Cabana

Taco Cabana is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant franchise serving tacos, fajitas, and freshly prepared salsas in a relaxed, colorful setting.

Franchisees

?

6
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$1,267,000 - $2,776,000

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