How to open a Mexican food franchise
Seven steps, one fixed review period, and a direct line to the people who run the brand.
Seven steps from application to opening day.
To open a Café Mexicali franchise, you apply, talk with Jim DelVecchio, qualify, review the Franchise Disclosure Document for at least 14 days, meet the founders, sign and select a site, then complete three weeks of training and one week of on-site opening support. The FDD estimates 90 to 180 days from site approval to opening day.
- 01
Inquiry
You complete the short application. It goes straight to Jim DelVecchio, with no call center in between.
- 02
Intro call with Jim
Jim calls within two business days if your capital and timeline fit. You talk through your background, your market, and what ownership looks like day to day.
- 03
Qualification
Both sides confirm the fit: at least $167,500 in liquid capital, the market you want, and your timeline.
- 04
FDD review
You receive the Franchise Disclosure Document and have at least 14 days to review it before you sign anything or pay any money.
14-day review period - 05
Meet the founders and visit a store
You spend time with Rick Krammer and David Hoffman and walk a working restaurant.
- 06
Sign and select your site
When you are confident, you sign the Franchise Agreement and the team helps you identify and approve a location.
- 07
Build-out, training, and grand opening
Three weeks of initial training, build-out assistance, and one week of on-site opening support. You open as an owner-operator.
How long each stage takes.
These are the timelines the FDD and the process set. Your own pace depends on how quickly you review the FDD, secure a site, and build out.
Jim calls within two business days if your capital and timeline fit.
At least 14 days before you sign or pay anything.
Estimated in FDD Item 11.
The Franchise Agreement sets a required opening date, typically 270 days from the date you sign. Training is three weeks, followed by one week of on-site opening support.
What your call with Jim covers.
Jim DelVecchio leads franchise development. The first call is a conversation, not a pitch, and it is how both sides decide whether to go further.
- Your background, and the experience you would bring as an owner-operator
- Your liquid capital and how you plan to fund the investment
- The market you want, and whether it is open
- What day-to-day ownership of a scratch-made restaurant looks like
- How the process works and what happens next
- Your questions, and a straight answer if it is not a fit
Prefer to write first? Email Jim@cafemexicali.com.
Quick answers.
How do I open a Café Mexicali franchise?
You complete seven steps: inquiry, an intro call with Jim DelVecchio, qualification, a Franchise Disclosure Document review of at least 14 days, a meeting with the founders and a store visit, signing and site selection, then build-out, three weeks of training, and one week of on-site opening support.
How long does it take to open?
The FDD estimates 90 to 180 days from site approval to opening day (Item 11). The required opening date in the Franchise Agreement is typically 270 days from signing.
What happens on the first call with Jim?
You discuss your background, your capital and timeline, the market you want, and what ownership looks like day to day. Jim calls within two business days of your application if your capital and timeline fit.
Do I need restaurant experience?
Restaurant, food service, or multi-unit management experience, or a strong operating background, is a plus. Café Mexicali provides three weeks of initial training and one week of on-site opening support.
Can I review the FDD before I commit?
Yes. You receive the Franchise Disclosure Document and have at least 14 days to review it before you sign anything or pay any money.
What does it cost?
The total initial investment is $668,200 to $1,252,500 (FDD Item 7), including the $45,000 franchise fee, and you need at least $167,500 in liquid capital to qualify.
More franchise guides.
Ready to see if you qualify?
Two minutes to apply. If your capital and timeline fit, Jim DelVecchio calls you within two business days.