

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.
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.
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:
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.
Below are some of
Taco Cabana
key competitors in the
Mexican
sector.

6
$45,000
$1,267,000
$2,776,000
n.a.
$1,452,000
$xxx,xxx
73.3%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.

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