Dos Coyotes Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Dos Coyotes Border Café is a vibrant fast-casual restaurant franchise known for serving fresh Southwestern-inspired dishes bursting with bold, flavorful ingredients. It caters to diners who appreciate a lively atmosphere and a creative twist on traditional Southwestern fare.
The concept began in 1991 when its founder opened the first restaurant in Davis, California, inspired by the rich street-Mexican flavors of Los Angeles and the bold, adventurous cuisine of Santa Fe. From these influences, Dos Coyotes developed its distinctive culinary identity.
Based in Davis, California, the brand expanded into franchising in 2013 through Dos Coyotes Development Company, LLC, a Nevada-based limited liability company authorized to offer franchises across much of the United States.
What differentiates Dos Coyotes from typical Tex-Mex chains is its commitment to Southwestern fusion, blending Santa Fe’s bold flavors with Los Angeles’s urban edge. The brand also prioritizes sustainability, high-quality ingredients, and active involvement in the communities it serves.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Dos Coyotes franchise? It costs on average between $1,472,000 – $1,794,000 to start a Dos Coyotes franchised restaurant.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of restaurant you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Construction Costs | $670,000 – $750,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures, Décor, Kitchen Equipment, Other Equipment, and Signs | $495,000 – $601,500 |
| Initial Inventory | $55,000 – $71,500 |
| Total “Hard” Costs | $1,220,000 – $1,423,000 |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Opening Assistance and Training Fee & Expenses | $20,000 – $22,500 |
| Training Wages and Related Travel and Living Expenses | $69,000 – $87,000 |
| Pre-Opening Manager Wages | $9,000 – $10,000 |
| Lease Deposit | $25,000 – $37,000 |
| Permits and Licenses | $8,500 – $50,000 |
| Grand Opening | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Insurance, Miscellaneous Deposits & Prepaid Expenses | $20,000 – $32,500 |
| Additional Funds – Three Months | $50,000 – $71,500 |
| Total “Soft” Costs | $251,500 – $370,500 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | $1,471,500 – $1,793,500 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many Dos Coyotes locations are there?
According to the most recent available information, Dos Coyotes Border Café operates a total of 11 locations in the United States. Out of these, 2 are franchise-owned units, while the remaining locations are company-owned.
What is the total investment required to open a Dos Coyotes franchise?
The total investment required to open a Dos Coyotes franchise ranges from $1,472,000 to $1,794,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Dos Coyotes franchise?
The Dos Coyotes Border Café franchise requires franchisees to pay ongoing fees that include a royalty fee of 5% of gross monthly sales and a marketing and advertising fee of 2% of gross monthly sales.
Who owns Dos Coyotes?
The franchise is owned by Bobby Coyote, who founded the brand and remains the owner of Dos Coyotes Border Café.
Disclaimer
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