TacoTime Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Quick-service Mexican restaurant franchise serving tacos, burritos, and Mexi-FriesÔøΩ, offering a variety of customizable menu options.

TacoTime is a renowned Mexican fast-food franchise that traces its roots back to 1958 when Ron Fraedrick launched the first location in Eugene, Oregon.

Drawing inspiration from the vibrant flavors of Southern California Mexican cuisine, Fraedrick opened the restaurant near the University of Oregon to deliver a fast-food experience centered around fresh, high-quality ingredients.

The franchise began its expansion in 1961, debuting its first franchised restaurant in Tacoma, Washington. This milestone set the stage for TacoTime’s rapid growth, eventually establishing a strong presence across the U.S. and Canada.

TacoTime stands out in the competitive fast-food landscape by offering original recipes crafted with fresh ingredients. This unwavering commitment to quality not only enhances the dining experience but also fosters strong customer loyalty, solidifying TacoTime’s reputation as a leader in its category.

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.

TacoTime offers 2 types of franchises:

Franchise Type Initial Investment Range
Traditional Franchise Unit $365,650 to $824,300
Non-Traditional Franchise Unit $155,650 to $555,300

We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a TacoTime Traditional Franchise Unit. For more information on costs required to start a TacoTime franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $14,000 – $30,000
Lease Review Fee $0 – $2,500
Rent/Security Deposit (for 3 months) $6,000 – $20,000
Travel and Living Expenses (2 persons) $3,000 – $7,500
Architectural Fees $15,000 – $25,000
Leasehold Improvements $187,500 – $418,000
Restaurant Equipment, Furniture, etc. $96,000 – $199,000
Exterior Signage $8,000 – $32,000
Computer Hardware, Software (POS System) $3,000 – $15,000
PCI Compliance Costs $150 – $1,300
Opening Inventory (food and paper) $4,000 – $10,000
Business Insurance $3,000 – $12,000
Miscellaneous Opening Costs $8,000 – $19,000
Grand Opening Marketing $10,000
Depository Account $3,000
Additional Funds – 3 month initial period $5,000 – $20,000
TOTAL $365,650 – $824,300

TacoTime offers 2 types of franchises:

Franchise Type Initial Investment Range
Traditional Franchise Unit $365,650 to $824,300
Non-Traditional Franchise Unit $155,650 to $555,300

We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a TacoTime Traditional Franchise Unit. For more information on costs required to start a TacoTime franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $14,000 – $30,000
Lease Review Fee $0 – $2,500
Rent/Security Deposit (for 3 months) $6,000 – $20,000
Travel and Living Expenses (2 persons) $3,000 – $7,500
Architectural Fees $15,000 – $25,000
Leasehold Improvements $187,500 – $418,000
Restaurant Equipment, Furniture, etc. $96,000 – $199,000
Exterior Signage $8,000 – $32,000
Computer Hardware, Software (POS System) $3,000 – $15,000
PCI Compliance Costs $150 – $1,300
Opening Inventory (food and paper) $4,000 – $10,000
Business Insurance $3,000 – $12,000
Miscellaneous Opening Costs $8,000 – $19,000
Grand Opening Marketing $10,000
Depository Account $3,000
Additional Funds – 3 month initial period $5,000 – $20,000
TOTAL $365,650 – $824,300

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

The franchise "TacoTime" provides a comprehensive training program for its franchisees. The training is structured into several key programs designed to equip franchise owners with the knowledge and skills required to operate their businesses successfully:

  1. Initial Training Program: This program includes an extensive overview of business operations, focusing on food preparation, customer service, and day-to-day management practices.
  2. On-the-Job Training: Franchisees receive practical, hands-on training within an actual TacoTime location to better understand real-world operations.
  3. Management Training: Aimed at franchise owners and managers, this program focuses on leadership, financial management, and strategic planning specific to TacoTime operations.
  4. Ongoing Support and Training Updates: The franchisor provides continuous training opportunities to keep franchisees updated with new processes, menu changes, and industry best practices.

Territory Protection

The franchise "TacoTime" offers territory protection to its franchisees, ensuring that each franchisee has a defined area in which they can operate without competition from other TacoTime locations.

This protection is designed to foster franchisee success by granting exclusive rights to develop and operate within a specific geographic region. The territory is typically defined based on population, market potential, and other relevant factors.

While the exact terms of the territorial protection may vary, TacoTime ensures that no other franchisee or company-owned store is established within the protected area during the agreement's term. This exclusivity allows franchisees to focus on building their customer base and market presence without direct competition from the same brand.

Competitors

Below are some of

TacoTime

key competitors in the

Mexican

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Upgrade
Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

97

New
+
-8%
-8%

$30,000

$156,000

$824,000

n.a.

$825,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

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

Barrio Burrito Bar

Barrio Burrito Bar is a Mexican restaurant franchise specializing in build-your-own burritos, tacos, and bowls with fresh ingredients and bold flavors.

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$432,000 - $773,000

Talkin' Tacos

Talkin’ Tacos is a Mexican street food franchise serving tacos, burritos, and other Tex-Mex dishes with bold flavors.

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$271,000 - $575,000

Taco Pros

Taco Pros serves a variety of Mexican dishes, including tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, offering flavorful and authentic cuisine in a casual setting.

Franchisees

?

1
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$457,000 - $584,000

ON THE BORDER MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA

ON THE BORDER MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA offers a casual dining experience specializing in Tex-Mex cuisine. Franchisees receive support in marketing, operations, and training, helping them grow their restaurant in the competitive food industry.

Franchisees

?

25
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$2,426,000 - $5,058,000

Cilantro Taco Grill

Cilantro Taco Grill is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant serving authentic, flavorful dishes made with fresh ingredients, offering a modern twist on traditional Mexican cuisine.

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$273,000 - $731,000