TacoTime

TacoTime

Information based on 2023 FDD

Food & Beverage · Mexican Inspired

Investment min
$331K
Total: $331K–$763K
Avg gross revenue
$835K
Unit-level, 2023
Franchise fee
$14K–$30K
Per current disclosure
Royalty
6%
of gross revenue
Locations
105
Franchising since 1961

Description

What is TacoTime?

TacoTime, established in 1958, has evolved into a beloved quick-service restaurant chain that brings a unique Pacific Northwest spin to Mexican-inspired cuisine. Known for their commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and consistent food preparation, TacoTime has cultivated a passionate following among customers who appreciate the perfect balance between fast food convenience and home-style quality.

The brand stands out in the competitive Mexican food segment by focusing on freshly prepared items made in-house daily, including their signature Crisp Burritos and fan-favorite 'Mexi-Fries' (their distinctive take on tater tots). Their menu caters to various dietary preferences, offering vegetarian options and customizable items that accommodate different nutritional needs.

What truly sets TacoTime apart is their dedication to environmental sustainability and community involvement. The company demonstrates this through their use of compostable packaging materials and partnerships with local farmers for ingredient sourcing. This commitment to sustainability resonates strongly with environmentally conscious consumers.

The restaurant atmosphere typically features modern, comfortable dining spaces, often including amenities like fireplaces and convenient digital ordering systems. Their focus on exceptional customer service is evident through consistently positive customer feedback, highlighting friendly staff interactions and efficient operations.

For potential franchisees, TacoTime represents an opportunity to join a well-established brand that combines time-tested recipes with modern business practices. Their strong presence in the Pacific Northwest has created a loyal customer base that appreciates their unique position between traditional fast food and higher-end quick-service restaurants.
  • 65 years proven operational history since 1958
  • Family-owned for over 60 years with multi-generational leadership
  • Pacific Northwest heritage and community investment focus
  • Above-average revenue performance exceeding subsector by 21%
  • Quality-focused quick service model with established brand promise
  • Regional market expertise with 105-unit operational footprint

Location Analysis

Where TacoTime wins

TacoTime, established in 1958, maintains a strategic presence across multiple states, showing strongest concentration in the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Washington state. The franchise's geographic footprint reveals a unique distribution pattern, with significant clusters in the Pacific Northwest and an established presence in the Mid-Atlantic region, notably in Maryland and Virginia. Their footprint also includes emerging markets across several other states, including New Jersey, New York, Texas, West Virginia, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, and the District of Columbia, demonstrating potential for growth in these territories.

The brand's average rating of 3.89 across thousands of customer reviews indicates consistent service quality and customer satisfaction. This is exemplified by their Silver Spring, Maryland location, which maintains a perfect 5.0 rating, showcasing the brand's potential for excellence in well-selected locations.

Ideal locations for new franchisees should target areas with strong Mexican food consumption patterns, middle-income demographics, and high daytime population density. Success factors include proximity to business districts, retail centers, and residential areas with median household incomes above $50,000. The significant gap between existing markets suggests opportunities for multi-unit development in contiguous territories, particularly in states adjacent to current operations. With over 60 years of operational experience, TacoTime's established presence provides a strong foundation for strategic expansion in underserved markets between their existing clusters.
Total US locations
105
Franchise units
105
Corporate locations
0
Avg. sq. footage
N/A

Loading map...

Territory check

Is your territory available?

Let's find out.

try

We'll take you through a few quick questions, then TacoTime confirms availability directly.

Availability

Financial Analysis

The numbers behind TacoTime

Avg gross revenue$835,333
Investment range$331,150 – $762,800
Investment midpoint$546,975
Brand fund4%
Royalty6%
Franchise fee$14,000–$30,000
Min. net worth
Min. liquid capital
TacoTime requires an investment range of $331,150 to $762,800, positioning it as a mid-tier opportunity within the Mexican restaurant segment. The investment sits above the sub-sector average minimum of $284,316 and exceeds the maximum range of $699,137 by approximately 9%, reflecting the brand's established market position and operational infrastructure requirements.

The Mexican restaurant sector benefits from sustained consumer demand for convenient, affordable dining options, with fast-casual concepts experiencing particular growth. TacoTime's 65-year operational history since 1958 demonstrates proven system durability, though the current 105-unit footprint suggests a more regional presence compared to larger national chains. This smaller scale may offer territory availability but could limit brand recognition in new markets.

The reported gross revenue of $835,333 exceeds the sub-sector average of $688,609 by over 21%, indicating strong competitive operational performance within the Mexican restaurant category. However, prospective investors should carefully review the FDD for revenue methodology and exclusions.

Ideal candidates should possess liquid capital sufficient for the full investment range plus working capital reserves, given the food service industry's operational demands. The brand's Pacific Northwest heritage and quality-focused positioning may appeal to markets valuing established regional concepts. Multi-generational family ownership suggests stable franchisor leadership, though investors should evaluate system growth strategies and support infrastructure.
Did you know? Did you know that bringing TacoTime's beloved Mexican-inspired quick-service concept to your community requires a total investment between $331,150 and $762,800, which covers everything from the franchise fee and kitchen equipment to build-out costs and working capital needed to serve up their signature crispy tacos and fresh Mexican fare?

Financing partners

Vetted partners, tailored to franchisees

Your Franzy advisor can connect you with these partners later in the process — competitive rates, specialized in franchise financing.

FranFund

Lender

CRF USA

Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.

Lender

First Bank of the Lake

Lender

Pension Pros

Lender

FDD Item 7

Initial investment range

$331K–$763K
Most common
$331,150
Minimum
$546,975
Midpoint
$762,800
Maximum

Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $331,150 to $762,800. The midpoint $546,975 is what most franchisees report at signing — financing typically reduces cash-at-close by 80–90%. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.

FDD Item 19

Average gross sales

$1M$800K$600K$400K$200KN/A
$702K
$816K
$835K
2021
2022
2023
Avg
$785K
YOY change (2022 -> 2023)
+2%

According to Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, TacoTime has an average gross revenue of $835K. (Note: This information is based on the latest FDD in our records. Please review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and confirm this information directly with the brand. We make no claims of accuracy for the information presented.)

Growth over time

Franchise footprint

-3% YoY
1501209060300
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
105 units open as of 2023 FDD-3 in last 12 mo

2023 Franchise Disclosure

FDD documents

Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for TacoTime's 2023 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.

Estimated initial investment
FDD Item 7 · PDF
Financial performance representations
FDD Item 19 · PDF
Members-only items
Executive team
FDD Item 2 · PDF
Litigation
FDD Item 3 · PDF
Bankruptcy
FDD Item 4 · PDF
Franchisor assistance
FDD Item 11 · PDF
Members only
Unlock the 2023 FDD

Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.

Buyer FAQs

Frequently asked questions

The initial investment for a TacoTime franchise typically ranges between $331,150.00 and $762,800.00. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, real estate, and other startup costs. To get a detailed breakdown and better understand the financial requirements, we recommend scheduling a call with the Franzy team. We'll walk you through the specifics and answer any questions you might have. For more detailed information, refer to the financial sections of the FDD.

Disclaimer. The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2023. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

TacoTime
TacoTime
$835K avg revenue · 105+ US franchises

Franchises for you

Other brands in the same vertical and investment band — recommendations based on what you've explored.

Spotlight

Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken

Food & Beverage

Gross Revenue$2,172,042
Min Investment$850,000
Founded1966
Franchise Units94+

Spotlight

Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Frios Gourmet Pops

Food & Beverage

Gross RevenueN/A
Min Investment$64,584
Founded2018
Franchise Units115+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Clusters Handcrafted Popcorn

Food & Beverage

Gross Revenue$274,576
Min Investment$170,800
Founded2017
Franchise Units4+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Tea Bar - Mobile Unit

Food & Beverage

Gross RevenueN/A
Min Investment$95,000
Founded2014
Franchise UnitsN/A
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Tea Bar

Food & Beverage

Gross RevenueN/A
Min Investment$266,037
Founded2014
Franchise UnitsN/A
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

3Natives Acai Cafe

Food & Beverage

Gross Revenue$947,071
Min Investment$310,000
Founded2013
Franchise Units42+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Goodness Bowls

Food & Beverage

Gross RevenueN/A
Min Investment$325,119
Founded2019
Franchise Units5+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Breadless

Food & Beverage

Gross RevenueN/A
Min Investment$439,202
Founded2025
Franchise UnitsN/A