How much does a Mexican restaurant franchise cost?
The total initial investment to open a Café Mexicali is $668,200 to $1,252,500.
A Café Mexicali franchise costs $668,200 to $1,252,500.
The total initial investment to open a Café Mexicali restaurant is $668,200 to $1,252,500, as disclosed in Item 7 of the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document. That range includes the $45,000 franchise fee. To qualify, you need at least $167,500 in liquid capital, and the ongoing royalty is 6% of gross sales.
Includes the $45,000 franchise fee.
At least this amount.
Of gross sales.
Where the money goes.
Item 7 of the FDD lists every category of opening cost. The low end assumes a smaller suburban space and the high end assumes a larger urban space.
- The $45,000 franchise fee, payable when you sign the Franchise Agreement
- Site lease costs
- Leasehold improvements, the build-out of your space
- Furniture, fixtures, equipment, smallwares, and decor
- Opening inventory
- Signage
- Soft costs such as permits, architecture, and legal services
- Insurance
- Computer system and software
- Initial training and opening assistance costs, including your team's travel to training
- Security and utility deposits
- Business licenses, including beer, liquor, and wine licenses
- Grand opening advertising
- Additional funds, a working capital reserve for the early months
The range excludes the cost of buying land. Café Mexicali does not typically recommend purchasing the land and building. Your actual costs depend on your market, your space, and your landlord.
Why $167,500 is not the whole price.
At least $167,500 in liquid capital is the minimum Café Mexicali requires to qualify. It is not the cost of opening. The total initial investment is $668,200 to $1,252,500, and you arrange the rest of the funding yourself.
Café Mexicali does not offer any direct or indirect financing (FDD Item 10). You arrange your own financing, and lenders set their own requirements. Talk with a lender early, and bring your questions to your first call with Jim.
Ongoing costs: the royalty.
The ongoing royalty is 6% of gross sales. Other fees, including the advertising fund contribution, are listed in Item 6 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, which you receive and review before you sign anything.
Wondering what sales look like? Item 19 discloses what the four affiliate-owned Colorado restaurants sold in 2025. Read it with its full context on the profitability page. Some stores have sold this amount. There is no assurance you will sell as much.
Quick answers.
How much does a Mexican restaurant franchise cost?
The total initial investment to open a Café Mexicali restaurant is $668,200 to $1,252,500 (FDD Item 7). That range includes the $45,000 franchise fee and excludes the cost of buying land.
What is the franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee is $45,000 for each restaurant, payable when you sign the Franchise Agreement. It is included in the total initial investment of $668,200 to $1,252,500.
How much liquid capital do I need?
You need at least $167,500 in liquid capital to qualify. That is the qualifying minimum, not the full cost of opening.
Does Café Mexicali offer financing?
No. Café Mexicali does not offer any direct or indirect financing (FDD Item 10). Franchisees arrange their own financing.
What is the ongoing royalty?
The royalty is 6% of gross sales. Other ongoing fees are listed in Item 6 of the Franchise Disclosure Document.
How long until I can open after the cost is committed?
The FDD estimates 90 to 180 days from site approval to opening day (Item 11). The required opening date is typically 270 days from the date you sign the Franchise Agreement.
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.