23 Best Mexican Food Franchises to Own in 2024

Are you looking for a list of the best Mexican food franchises to own from this year?

At Del Taco, we understand it can be difficult to pick just one because there are so many options to choose from.

In this article, we will take a look at twenty-three of the best Mexican restaurant franchises to own in no particular order.

Del Taco

We simply had to put ourselves on this list because of our freshly prepared menu, streamlined restaurant prototypes, and franchise opportunities in existing and untapped markets.

Since 1964, Del Taco has been serving freshly prepared, craveable food at an unbeatable value. This rare combination is one of the reasons we are the second largest brand in the Mexican Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) Industry based on number of locations with nearly 600 restaurants across the U.S.

Our menu features tacos and burritos as well as burgers and fries. Plus, we span a full complement of dayparts from breakfast to dinner to late night and everything in-between.

Del Taco Menu Categories:

• Tacos
• Burritos
• Quesadillas
• Nachos
• Burgers & Fries
• Crispy Chicken
• Breakfast
• Value Menu
• Fiesta Packs
• Salads
• Vegetarian & Vegan
• Dessert

Today, we have grown to +590 locations in +15 states thanks to our incredibly loyal fan base. We are aggressively expanding across the United States and currently seeking multi-unit restaurant operators.

To get started, please submit this form and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.

Moe’s

Moe’s Southwest Grill is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant franchise that was founded in Atlanta, GA by Raving Brands on December 9th, 2000.

The Moe’s menu is known for burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, and salads. They even offer meal kits able to feed 4 to 6 people.

They’re looking for franchise owners interested in building a loyal following in their market while embracing their own independent spirit.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell is one of the most well-known burrito franchises in the world. In 1962, their first location was opened in Downey, California by Glen Bell.

In the United States, Taco Bell and their franchisees operate over 7,200 restaurants that serve more than 40 million customers each week. This makes them the largest Mexican QSR concept in the world by total number of restaurants.

Their brand is also growing internationally with more than 1,000 restaurants located in 30 countries across the globe.

Chipotle

Chipotle is a chain of Mexican restaurants that has become popular due to their specialty menu with a focus on natural ingredients.

The first Chipotle was opened in Denver, CO in 1993. Fans of this Mexican grill love their burritos, bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads.

As of 2023, all of Chipotle’s +3,100 locations are company-owned, and they do not offer franchising opportunities at this time.

Qdoba

Qdoba is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant franchise that was founded in 1995 as “Zuma Fresh Mexican Grill” in Denver, CO.

Today, they have grown their Mexican franchise to over 700 locations across 47 different states along with Canada and Puerto Rico.

Their made-to-order menu features burrito bowls, quesadillas, and tacos. Plus, catering selections when you need to feed a large crowd.

Taco John’s

What started as a single taco stand in Cheyenne, WY has become one of the nation’s largest Mexican franchise restaurants.

More than 50 years later, they have grown to over 380 restaurants in 22 states with further plans to expand their taco franchise brand.

Taco John’s has available markets throughout the United States. Target areas include Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Kansas, and Missouri among others.

On The Border

On The Border is an established Mexican franchise brand that delivers border-style food, hand-crafted beverages, and good times.

In 1982, the first On The Border location opened in Dallas, Texas after three friends had an idea to share border-style food with the world.

They believe in implementing a hands-on approach in their restaurants to provide support to their franchise partners.

Baja Fresh

Baja Fresh is a fast casual Mexican franchise that caters to customers who are looking for healthier options than conventional fast food.

In 1990, they opened their first location which featured fresh and traditional fire-grilled Mexican favorites across the menu.

The interior of their restaurant features patios, bright lighting, and comfortable seating so customers can enjoy a relaxing meal.

Chronic Tacos

Chronic Tacos Mexican Grill is a unique taco shop with Mexican food and a vibe inspired by their Southern California roots.

They take pride in offering authentic third-generation recipes with an opportunity to celebrate the art and individuality of their customers.

Chronic Tacos believes their franchise partners are the single most valuable asset to their organization.

Dank Burrito

Dank Burrito is a unique Mexican restaurant franchise that uses global flavors, fresh-to-death ingredients, and chef-inspired techniques to make their food.

This brand started out of a refurbished food truck then proceeded to open their first brick-and-mortar location in 2015.

Today, they are looking to introduce franchise owners to the brand who have passion, experience, and are ready to hustle.

El Pollo Loco

El Pollo Loco is a Mexican franchise known for their fire-grilled chicken with fresh salsas made from scratch.

In 1975, the first El Pollo Loco opened in Mexico and five years later they came to the United States via Los Angeles.

They are looking for franchisees who want to create special moments with quality food you can be proud to serve.

Taco Bueno

In 1967, Taco Bueno opened their first location in Abilene, TX with a mission to share fresh, authentic Mexican food with the community.

Taco Bueno has grown their brand across the USA with more than 180 stores in 7 states, and they are looking to grow.

The ideal candidate for a Taco Bueno franchise is someone with restaurant operating experience, desire to be hands-on, and strong work ethic.

Surcheros

Surcheros is an emerging burrito franchise with 24 restaurants located across the Southeastern United States.

Since 2007, they have been serving freshly prepared Tex-Mex favorites like burritos, tacos, nachos, bowls, and more.

They began franchising in 2017 and are looking to grow their existing footprint throughout the USA.

TacoTime

TacoTime has grown from humble beginnings to become one of the premier Mexican restaurant franchises in the industry.

In 1960, Ron Fraedrick set out to feed the hordes of hungry college kids in his hometown of Eugene, OR by opening the first TacoTime restaurant.

Since then, they have expanded to nearly 300 locations and are seeking savvy entrepreneurs who are interested in bringing Mexican food to their communities.

Salsarita’s

Salsarita’s is a counter-serve Mexican chain offering customized burritos, nachos, tacos, and quesadillas inside a colorful space.

The company is headquartered in Charlotte, NC where they operate more than 80 company-owned and franchised restaurants throughout the USA.

This taco franchise is interested in expanding across the country by partnering with franchisees who have restaurant or hospitality experience.

Bubbakoo’s Burritos

Bubbakoo’s Burritos was founded in Point Pleasant, NJ in 2008 and has grown to dozens of locations across 10 different states.

They offer a hybrid skater-surf atmosphere that presents their customers with a great place to relax and have an awesome meal.

Although their roots are in the skater and shore scene – people from all walks of life are welcome to enjoy their Mexican food.

Rusty Taco

In 2010, Rusty Fenton - along with his wife Denise and business partner Steve Dunn - opened the first Rusty Taco location in Dallas, TX.

By offering an authentic, street-taco inspired menu, Rusty Taco brings the flavor of a traditional taco stand to local communities.

They offer a fast casual Mexican experience with a menu that offers breakfast, lunch, happy hour, dinner, and catering options.

Pancheros

Pancheros Mexican Grill is a Midwestern quick-service restaurant famous for their fresh, handmade tortillas and burritos able to stand up on their own.

Their tacos are served on freshly made flour tortillas with your choice of marinated and grilled meat or tofu accompanied with lettuce, cheese, and salsa.

Over the past 30 years, Pancheros has expanded to 74 restaurants in 13 states. They are actively seeking entrepreneurs with a passion for Mexican food.

Mucho Burrito

Mucho Burrito is a Mexican-inspired franchise restaurant concept featuring unique flavors and a focus on customer service.

Over the past decade, their brand has grown to more than 125 locations across Canada making it one of the leaders in the Canadian market.

In 2019, they began offering burrito franchising opportunities to the United States and are continuing to look for qualified investors.

Jimboy’s Tacos

Jimboy’s Tacos began out of a 16-foot trailer with a mobile kitchen which happened to be one of the first “food trucks” in the United States.

For six decades, Jimboy’s has focused on serving their unique and original ground beef taco with a variety of other Mexican favorites.

They are seeking franchise development partners who are interested in taking their brand throughout the Southeastern and Southwestern USA.

Maui Taco

Maui Taco is a fast-casual franchise known for serving Maui-Mex food mixed with a fusion of Hawaiian flavors across the menu.

This distinctive taco franchise combines a cool, hip dining experience with exceptional food and the spirit of Aloha.

Today, they have locations across Hawaii and are interested in bringing their franchise opportunity to select mainland U.S. locations.

Margaritas

Margaritas is a Mexican franchise that brings the spirit of Mexico to the United States with scratch-made food, warm hospitality, and world-famous margaritas.

For more than 40 years, they have built a following by staying focused on what works and not chasing trends throughout the industry.

Their passionate fan base is hooked on their authentic cuisine and atmosphere featuring the exciting spirit of Mexico.

La Salsa

La Salsa is a Mexican franchise that explores the four corners of Mexican Food known as air, water, food, and salsa.

In 1979, the doors of the first La Salsa opened in Los Angeles where they quickly gained a reputation throughout the community.

Their menu is known for using fresh ingredients with all their soft tacos, giant burritos, and unique salsa bar.

Check Out These Additional Resources

We hope this list of the best Mexican franchises to own helped you narrow down your search.

At Del Taco, we serve freshly prepared, craveable food at an unbeatable value and are looking for franchisees who want to grow with our brand.

Here are some additional online resources you may like to check out:

• 5 Reasons to Buy a Taco Franchise
• Does Del Taco Offer Non-Traditional Franchising?
• 10 Best Burrito Franchises to Own

If you have any questions, please contact our franchise sales and support team.