Qdoba Mexican Grill vs El Chico Cafe Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Qdoba Mexican Grill Franchise
El Chico Cafe Franchise
Investment $475,500 - $1,095,000$1,550,000 - $2,530,000
Franchise Fee $30,000$35,000
Royalty Fee 5%5%
Advertising Fee 1.25%-
Year Founded 19951940
Year Franchised 19971969
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee $5K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Qdoba Mexican Grill Franchise
El Chico Cafe Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Real estate
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Qdoba Mexican Grill Franchise
    El Chico Cafe 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
    El Chico Cafe 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
    El Chico Cafe Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion Yes-
    International Expansion No-

    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 El Chico Cafe

    Since 1940, El Chico Cafe restaurants reflect over sixty years of changing tastes and styles and our guests’ preferences. We have taken care to preserve the heritage while updating the decor and adding exciting new tastes to our menu. The strength of El Chico comes from the simple fact that we have been in this business so long that we know how to improve traditional favorites and how to introduce our guests to the next level of great Mexican food through new product development.