Qdoba Mexican Grill vs Baja Fresh Mexican Grill Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Qdoba Mexican Grill vs Baja Fresh Mexican Grill including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Qdoba Mexican Grill Franchise
Baja Fresh Mexican Grill Franchise
Investment $475,500 - $1,095,000$224,450 - $993,040
Franchise Fee $30,000$25,000 - $30,000
Royalty Fee 5%5%
Advertising Fee 1.25%3%
Year Founded 1995-
Year Franchised 1997-
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 Years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 Years
Renewal Fee $5K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Qdoba Mexican Grill Franchise
Baja Fresh Mexican Grill Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Real estate
  • *$200,000 liquid cash per restaurant, $500,000 net worth per restaurant *Restaurant experience or an operating partner with at least 10% ownership, who has restaurant experience


    Financing Options

     
    Qdoba Mexican Grill Franchise
    Baja Fresh Mexican Grill Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/Yes-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support

     
    Qdoba Mexican Grill Franchise
    Baja Fresh Mexican Grill Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 179 hours Classroom Training: 37 hours -
    Support Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform -
    Marketing National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Loyalty program/app -
    Operations Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 90% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 15

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed.

    -

    Expansion Plans

     
    Qdoba Mexican Grill Franchise
    Baja Fresh Mexican Grill Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion YesNo
    International Expansion NoNo

    Company Overviews

    About Qdoba Mexican Grill

    The fast casual franchise chosen by the world's toughest restaurant critics: Successful Franchisees. We've attracted successful multi-unit franchisees from such brands as Jack in the Box, Papa John's, Burger King, Sonic, Popeye's and Village Inn, as well as a former president of KFC and a former CEO of Church's and Rally's. Clearly, they know a winning system when they see it.
    * Exceptional sales-to-investment ratio
    * 9 consecutive years of same store sales growth
    * Leader in the exploding Fast-Casual Mexican category
    Qdoba is more than just incredible food; it's a brand in the right place at the right time.
    Requirements for becoming a Qdoba Multi-Unit Developer
    Qdoba Mexican Grill is seeking multi-unit development partners in territories throughout the United States.
    To be considered, individuals or partnerships must meet the following minimum characteristics:
    * 3 years multi-unit restaurant management experience as an owner and/or operator
    * Minimum financial net worth of $2 million and liquidity of $500,000
    * Development agreement commitment of 3-20 units
    * Knowledge of real estate and trade areas in development territory
    * Must have enthusiasm, drive, and passion for the restaurant industry
    * Operating partner must live in the territory
    * Single unit franchises require a $750,000 net worth and are considered on a case by case basis
    If you meet the above criteria and are interested in taking the next step, please contact us.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Qdoba restaurant is $475,500 - $1,095,000. This includes $30,000 which must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliates.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a non-traditional Qdoba restaurant is $251,500 - $815,000. This includes $15,000 which must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliates.
    The franchisor may offer the right to enter into a development agreement to develop a minimum of two Qdoba restaurants pursuant to a development agreement. You must pay a development fee to the franchisor in the amount of $10,000 for each restaurant to be developed (there are no additional fees payable to their affiliates).
    The total investment necessary under the development agreement, based on a commitment of two Qdoba restaurants, is $952,000 to $2,195,000. This includes $20,000 of development fees that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliates.

    "Entrepreneur

    #152 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #293 in Franchise 500 for 2021.

    About Baja Fresh Mexican Grill

    Baja Fresh has been serving delightfully crisp, excellent, Mexican nourishment that is set up in a speedy easygoing air since 1990. Baja Fresh offerings were intended to fulfill the palates of separating coffee shops who were burnt out on conventional fast food and who's tasted had developed. Baja Fresh is reliably new and tasty Mexican sustenance, for lunch and supper, eat in or take-out, served in a shining spotless and peppy environment. Baja Fresh is a quality other option to fast food and easygoing eating decisions. More than 40 things are made-to-request and highlight charbroiled boneless and skinless, marinated chicken bosom tenders, incline steak trimmed in-house, best quality deliver and new salsas. Strength things incorporate determinations of burritos, for example, the prominent Baja Burrito, Grilled Vegetarian Burrito, Bare Burrito, and the super estimated "Burrito Dos Manos". Baja Fresh eateries additionally include a "whatever you-can-eat" self-benefit salsa bar. Our salsa bars are supplied with an assortment of new salsa from mellow to hot, including Baja Fresh's mark fire-cooked Salsa Baja. Baja Fresh uses No Microwaves, No Can Openers, No Freezers, No Lard, and No M.S.G. in the planning of its crisp offerings. Baja Fresh has won various honors for the nature of its sustenance and eateries. Just as of late the consequences of Restaurants and Institutions Consumers' Choice in Chains study were reported naming Baja Fresh Mexican Grill as the Platinum grant winning Mexican chain in America. The Chains study appraised eight client benefit fulfillment characteristics: nourishment, quality, menu assortment, esteem, benefit, environment, cleanliness, notoriety, and comfort. Baja Fresh has a conventional model which can extend from 1,200 to 2,000 square feet and we want to have porch seating. We likewise offer an express model that can fit into a space as little as 671 square feet. You would regularly discover this sort of area in a nourishment court, airplane terminal, amusement stop, clubhouse, or at a school or college.

    The total investment necessary to begin operations of a traditional Baja Fresh restaurant ranges from approximately $324,310 to $974,290. This includes $34,000 to $42,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.
    The total investment necessary to begin operations of a single Baja Fresh Non-Traditional Restaurant at a captive market location ranges from approximately $210,200 to $620,200. This includes $21,000 to $23,500 for each Baja Fresh Non-Traditional Restaurant that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.