Barberitos Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Barberitos has carved out a niche in the fast-casual dining sector with its commitment to Southwestern-inspired cuisine. Launched in February 2000 by Downing Barber, the brand’s first location in Athens, Georgia, set out to offer fresh, flavorful, and health-conscious meal choices to American diners.
By 2002, Barberitos began franchising, building upon the success of its flagship location. Each franchise stays true to the brand’s core values by preparing burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, and salads fresh daily, using high-quality ingredients such as hand-smashed guacamole, freshly chopped vegetables, and house-made salsas and marinades.
What differentiates Barberitos from competitors is its focus on health-conscious menu options, including meals that are lower in calories and fat, along with gluten-free choices. This philosophy aligns with the brand’s mission of serving “food that’s fresh, fast, and flavorful,” a principle that has fueled its growth and solidified its reputation in the regional fast-casual dining industry.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Barberitos franchise? It costs on average between $521,000 – $830,000 to start a Barberitos franchised restaurant.
This covers expenses related to construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operational costs. The total investment varies based on factors such as the restaurant concept, location, and whether the franchisee opts to lease or buy the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Architectural Plan Review | $0 – $1,000 |
| Architect Fees | $13,500 – $15,500 |
| Permits & License Fee | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $250,000 – $396,000 |
| Equipment | $100,000 – $160,000 |
| Furniture | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Millwork | $20,000 – $45,000 |
| Smallwares | $20,000 – $25,000 |
| Exterior Signage | $7,000 – $14,000 |
| Interior Signage and Graphics | $3,000 – $8,300 |
| Technology Systems | $25,000 – $32,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $15,000 |
| Uniforms, Menu Materials, Office Supplies | $2,000 – $5,560 |
| Travel & Living Expenses While Training | $0 – $7,500 |
| Opening Inventory | $7,500 – $12,000 |
| Insurance | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Additional Funds – 3 months | $15,000 – $35,000 |
| TOTAL | $521,000 – $830,360 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Barberitos franchise? A Barberitos franchised restaurant makes on average $907,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $1,200,000 yearly revenue for similar Mexican franchises. Below are a few Barberitos competitors as a comparison:
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Barberitos Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Barberitos locations are there?
As of the latest data, Barberitos operates 46 restaurants across seven southeastern U.S. states. The majority of these are franchise-owned, with a few company-owned locations.
What is the total investment required to open a Barberitos franchise?
The total investment required to open a Barberitos franchise ranges from $521,000 to $830,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Barberitos franchise?
Barberitos requires franchisees to pay an ongoing royalty fee of 6% of gross sales, which grants them continued access to the brand’s trademarks, operational systems, and support services.
Additionally, franchisees contribute 3% of their gross sales to a marketing fund, which is utilized for national and regional advertising campaigns, promotional initiatives, and other marketing efforts designed to enhance brand recognition and drive customer traffic to Barberitos locations.
What are the financial requirements to become a Barberitos franchisee?
To qualify as a Barberitos franchisee, candidates should have a minimum net worth of $1,000,000 and at least $350,000 in liquid assets. These financial thresholds ensure that potential franchisees possess the necessary resources to support the initial investment and ongoing operational costs associated with opening and managing a Barberitos restaurant.
How much can a Barberitos franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Barberitos franchise are approximately $0.91 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.91 million yearly revenue can result in $137,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Barberitos?
Barberitos franchise is owned by WOWorks, a restaurant group that focuses on health-conscious and fast-casual dining concepts. WOWorks acquired Barberitos in May 2022, adding it to its portfolio of brands. WOWorks itself is fully owned by Centre Lane Partners, LLC, a private investment firm.
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