Concept Description
Tijuana Flats is opening franchise opportunities to select operators seeking a bold and exciting growth concept with proven returns. With lower build costs, fresher ingredients, wider Tex-Mex menu selections, an unmatched hot sauce bar and an awesome guest experience, it’s no secret that we’re not your typical fast casual restaurant. In fact, our unique model has made us one of Southeast’s most popular growth concepts since 1995.
Testimonials
We’re in the process of shooting a video testimonial. It will be complete in October.
Unit Option
Single, Multiple
Background
FDD Franchised Units: 21
Corporate Owned Units: 104
Projected New Units: 9
Year Established: 1995
First Year Franchised: 2003
Type of Business: Franchise
History:
Like most college kids, our founder, Brian Wheeler, liked going to bars and restaurants. So much so that in 1995, he got the crazy idea to open his own despite never having worked in one. Problem was, like most college kids, Brian was broke. Fortunately for Tex-Mex fans, Brian’s dad loaned him the money to open the first Tijuana Flats in Winter Park, Florida.
In ‘99, Brian’s success caught the eye of restaurant industry hotshot Camp Fitch, who left retirement to become partner & chairman of Tijuana Flats. Brian’s dad, Chester Wheeler, soon followed suit, leaving a 30-year career at a Fortune 500 company to become CFO of Tijuana Flats. Since then, Tijuana Flats has grown to 123 restaurants.
Availability
Territories: United States, International
Financials
Liquidity: $500,000
*Investment Range: $490,050 - $878,000
Minimum Net Worth: $750,001 to $1,000,000
6 Month Cash: $300,000
Franchise Fee: $35,000
Royalty: 5%
Royalty Description: 5% of Restaurant’s Gross Sales
Advertising: Local: We do not provide for placement of local advertising on your behalf, and we have no obligation to spend any amount on advertising in your area or territory.
National Advertising: Amount we periodically specify, subject to the Marketing Spending Requirement, currently 2.0% of Restaurant’s Gross Sales.
Passive Ownership: Semi- passive at onset (they can hire a manager to run business)
Passive Ownership means the owner is working 15 hours or less per week in the business.
Passive Ownership Explain: No conditions- if you're a multi-unit operator we encourage you to be passive.
Discount Description: We're open to this but haven't started it officially yet
Training, Support and Assistance
Co-Operative Advertising: N/A
Site Selection Assistance: Available
Lease Negotiation Assistance: Available
Length of Training: Approximately 4 weeks
Training Description:
Depending on experience, our training department will outline a custom training program for the franchisee’s General Manager, Assistant Manager, and we also offer an abbreviated owner training. The franchisee’s managers will spend time in our classroom/corporate office in the Orlando area, as well as work in several different restaurants during their training time.
Once the franchisee has met their scheduled opening date, Tijuana Flats will supply a minimum of 4 trainers (usually more!) for a minimum of 6 days (also usually more!). We will ensure you’re set up for success. Tijuana Flats offers an excellent all-around training program.
Operational and Marketing Tools:
We offer each franchisee an FBC (franchise business consultant) who assists with their new store opening and all ongoing ops aspects of the business, including P&L management.
Our marketing department offers all facets including digital, PR, local store marketing, we do radio, billboards, etc etc.
We have two PR firms. One on the consumer side and one on the franchise development side (called 919 Marketing).
We also have our own charity called Just In Queso.
Financing Assistance: N/A