Own a Cafe Rio Franchise
Join the growing caferio family and bring authentic, fresh Mexican-inspired flavors to your community. We provide proven systems, dedicated support, and a brand that customers love.
Why Choose Us
Franchise Benefits & Advantages
When you partner with Cafe Rio, you gain access to a proven business model, dedicated support team, and a passionate customer base that keeps coming back.
Proven Business Model
Leverage 20+ years of operational experience and a business model refined across 150+ locations nationwide for maximum profitability.
Comprehensive Training
Receive 8 weeks of hands-on training at our corporate facility, covering operations, food preparation, customer service, and business management.
Dedicated Support Team
Your personal franchise business consultant is available throughout your entire journey — from site selection to grand opening and beyond.
National Marketing Power
Benefit from national advertising campaigns, digital marketing programs, and professionally designed local store marketing materials.
Supply Chain Network
Access our established network of approved suppliers with preferred pricing, ensuring consistent quality ingredients delivered to your door.
Technology Platform
Use our proprietary POS system, online ordering platform, and analytics dashboard to streamline operations and grow your revenue.
Investment Details
Investment Requirements
We offer flexible franchise models to match different markets and budgets. Each model comes with the full Cafe Rio support system.
Express Unit
Ideal for food courts, airports, and high-traffic retail locations with a streamlined menu.
- 600–1,200 sq ft
- Core menu offering
- Compact equipment package
- 4-week training program
Standard Restaurant
Our flagship format, designed for standalone restaurants and inline strip center locations.
- 1,800–2,800 sq ft
- Full menu + catering
- Full equipment package
- 8-week training program
Multi-Unit License
For experienced operators looking to develop multiple locations within an exclusive territory.
- 3–10 location rights
- Exclusive territory
- Reduced royalty rate
- Priority site support
Standard Restaurant Cost Breakdown
Ongoing royalty: 5% of gross sales. Marketing fund: 2% of gross sales. Net worth requirement: $500,000 minimum. Liquid assets: $150,000 minimum.
How It Works
Our Franchise Process
From your first inquiry to grand opening day, our team guides you through every step of launching your Cafe Rio location.
Submit Your Inquiry
Complete the franchise inquiry form below with your background, preferred location, and investment capacity. Our team reviews all applications within 5 business days.
Day 1Discovery Call & Qualification
A franchise development consultant contacts you for a discovery call to discuss your goals, market opportunity, and whether Cafe Rio is the right fit for you.
Week 1–2Receive Franchise Disclosure Document
Review our FDD, which includes all financial details, obligations, and expectations. You'll have a minimum 14-day review period with your legal counsel.
Week 2–4Discovery Day & Agreement Signing
Visit our corporate headquarters in Salt Lake City for Discovery Day, meet the leadership team, and sign your franchise agreement.
Week 4–6Site Selection & Build-Out
Our real estate team helps identify and secure your ideal location. Once approved, construction and build-out begins with our preferred contractors.
Month 2–5Training & Grand Opening
Complete your 8-week training program, hire and train your team, then launch with our full grand opening support package — including on-site assistance.
Month 5–7
Franchisee Stories
What Our Franchisees Say
"The support from the Cafe Rio corporate team has been incredible. From site selection to opening day, I never felt alone. My location exceeded first-year revenue projections by 18%."
"I transitioned from corporate finance into owning two Cafe Rio locations. The training program prepared me thoroughly, and the brand recognition made customer acquisition so much easier."
"The supply chain network alone saves me significant cost each month. Combined with the marketing support, I can focus on running great operations instead of chasing vendors."
Common Questions
Franchise FAQs
Get In Touch
Franchise Inquiry Form
Fill out the form below and a member of our franchise development team will contact you within 2 business days.