Taco John's logo
Mexican food

Investment

$390,000

Initial Franchise Fee

$15,000 - $40,000

Units

333

Growth Rate

-9%

Overview About Investment Territories Support Operations Ranking History

Overview

Industry Food
Founded 1969
Franchising Since 1969
Parent Company Taco John's Int'l. Inc.
Leadership Shannon Iverson, VP, Development
# of Employees at HQ 66

Units and Growth Chart

Obfuscated data

Want to see the full picture? Log in to unlock premium data and detailed growth charts.

About Taco John's

Established in 1969 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Taco John’s began as a single taco stand. Soon after, they began franchising. Today, Taco John’s has grown into a multi-million dollar business. It is one of the most prominent Mexican chain restaurants in the United States, famous for coining Taco Tuesday® and catering to the tastes of new generations.

Why You May Want to Start a Taco John's Franchise

If you're a franchisee looking for an opportunity to own a Mexican fast-food business, Taco John’s may be the right choice for you. It may also be a smart investment for franchisees who want to own more than one unit—Taco John’s prefers franchisees who have experience running multiple businesses or franchises. Franchisees who have a background in restaurants and a passion for food could fit right into the Taco John’s business model, too.

Taco John’s has proven itself to be a competitive company. For decades, this Mexican food business has grown, establishing nearly 400 locations across the country.

Even though Taco John’s likes a franchisee with experience, the company still offers development support. They provide marketing strategies to help franchisees drive sales. Franchisees will receive multiple weeks of hands-on training and grand opening assistance from Taco John’s. The assistance does not end when your franchise opens, either. Instead, Taco John’s offers continual support throughout the lifetime of your franchise.

What Might Make Taco John’s a Good Choice?

Mexican-inspired flavors are increasingly popular among young people. The term "Taco Tuesday" has also made its way into common vernacular with the majority of the taco-loving population. When a franchisee associates themselves with the brand that coined the phrase, they may end up in the spotlight of taco-hungry generations.

The menu items, including potato oles and breakfast burritos, are largely unique. The restaurant also offers seasonal items on its menu. Aligning its mission to serve bold flavors, Taco John’s makes its dishes using fresh and authentic ingredients.

How to Open a Taco John's Franchise

Before you become a Taco John's franchisee, you will want to research your area. Though people outside of the Millennial and Gen X age brackets enjoy Mexican-inspired flavors, these two generations are the company's primary demographics. You'll also want to consider your potential competition in the area. 

Taco John’s requires a drive-thru option in most of its restaurants. This is important to factor in if you aren't opening a mall, campus, or airport location. Taco John’s offers flexible floor plans for you to choose from, which can influence your location. Additionally, you should assess whether you can handle multiple sites.

Choosing Taco John’s means you have to be ready to jump into company training. The franchise offers on-the-job training and multiple weeks of support from franchise and restaurant experts. As you sign up as a franchisee, the company will assign a franchise official to you. They will help you set up your unit until it is operational. 

As soon as your business is up and running, a regional business consultant will be on hand to guide you. Once you open your doors, it's taco time!

Investment Details

Initial Franchise Fee $15,000 - $40,000
Initial Investment $390,000 - $2,120,000
Cash Requirement
eCOsqEBY
Royalty Fee
mJ
Ad Royalty Fee
twxl5
Term of Agreement
Utfq85seDzp
Is Franchise Term Renewable?
8Ij
Financing
Yu1HiLtEM2I

Get complete financial details. Log in to unlock cash requirements, fees, and financing terms.

Available Territories

Franchising opportunities available in the following regions

United States

Want to see available territories? Log in to unlock territory availability and expansion opportunities.

Training & Support Programs

Comprehensive training and ongoing support to help you succeed

Training

On the Job Training
o6Q
Classroom Training
cVH

Ongoing Support

Purchasing Co-ops
Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security & Safety Procedures
Field Operations
Site Selection
Franchisee Intranet Platform

Get complete training details. Log in to unlock training programs, support services, and marketing assistance.

Operations & Requirements

Key operational details and requirements for running this franchise

Is absentee ownership allowed?
PkU
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit?
Xv
Can this franchise be run part time?
Sz
# of employees required to run
t8lzJ
Are exclusive territories available?
dwL
Veterans program
bGOAt4KMp44eqElXcl6ZO2ZxsNRzJdQUyBreaw2wvsyfVC773oa0UdfpXyIdXBKoo8HM9EeH3NcJNDEvBxLpUNMjlX6MKCEEqD3YlRIa7nJ9MYtcnfwzrQW6jZiRvm2wb9LngGXCoWO304X4saciv2

View operational requirements. Log in to unlock ownership options, staffing needs, and territory details.

Ranking History

Taco John's performance in the Franchise rankings over recent years

Additional Rankings

Curious to know where Taco John's ranked on other franchise lists? Find out below.

Sign Up for Our Franchise Newsletter

Stay up to date on the latest news and trends affecting the franchise industry.

Related Franchise Content

Catch up on the latest franchise news, trends, and more.

Franchise

This is the One Question You Must Get Answered at a Franchise Discovery Day

Discovery Day is a critical step in the decision-making process that helps both parties move forward with confidence or decide not to proceed.

Franchise

How To Evaluate Franchisor Support Without Falling For The Sales Pitch

Franchise support is often sold as a promise, but experienced operators know it must be evaluated through systems, structure and consistency.

Franchise

What Smart Franchise Buyers Know Before They Ever Step Into Confirmation Day

With such a big decision on the line, you must be prepared to walk in to make the best possible decision for your future.

Franchise

What Two Adopted Puppies Taught Me About Breaking Through the Noise

One simple shift — from building a booth to creating a real emotional moment — turned passing foot traffic into meaningful conversations and lasting brand connections.

Franchise

Beware the Timing Trap — Is There Ever a Right Time to Start a Franchise?

Waiting for the "right" time to start a franchise often delays action, when success depends more on preparation and execution than perfect timing.

Franchise

How to Balance Passion and Practicality When Exploring a Business Opportunity

Passion can work for or against you in a business model. Your goal? Make it work for you.

See more franchise content
Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation of any particular franchise or business opportunity by Entrepreneur Media. Our listings and rankings are solely research tools you can use to compare opportunities. Entrepreneur stresses that you should always conduct your own independent investigation before investing in a franchise or business opportunity. That should include reviewing the company's legal documents, consulting with an attorney and an accountant, and talking to former and current franchisees/licensees/dealers.
Updated: December 12th, 2022