Barrio Burrito Bar Franchise 2025: Cost, Profit, Requirements & How to Apply
Quick Overview – Barrio Burrito Bar
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Barrio Burrito Bar (formerly BurritoBar USA) |
| Concept | Fast-casual Tex-Mex: burritos, tacos, bowls, Bang-Bang Shrimp, Extreme Fries |
| Franchise Types | Master franchise, area development, single-unit |
| Committed U.S. Units | 1,500+ contractually committed as of 2025 |
| Investment Range | US$ 418,620 – US$ 753,000 per restaurant |
| Franchise Fee | ~ US$ 35,000 (publicly reported) |
| Royalty + Marketing | ~6% royalty + ~2% marketing (as reported) |
| Store Size | ~1,000–1,500 sq ft (inline / end-cap) |
| How to Apply | Download application PDF & email to franchising@myburritobar.cocvgm |
Table of Contents
Introduction
Barrio Burrito Bar is an emerging superstar in the U.S. fast-casual Tex-Mex space. Originally part of the Canadian chain barBURRITO, the brand entered the U.S. market in 2020 and rebranded to Barrio Burrito Bar in 2024.
Their growth has been nothing short of aggressive: they have secured 1,500+ committed units across the United States, using a mix of master franchise agreements, area developers, and single-unit deals.
This guide dives into why Barrio Burrito Bar is a compelling franchise opportunity, its business model, investment details, how to apply, support for franchisees, and what keeps this concept on the fast track.
Why Consider a Barrio Burrito Bar Franchise?
- Rapid Growth: With over 1,500 contractually committed units, the brand is scaling fast.
- Flexible Franchise Models: You can choose a master territory, become an area developer, or open a single restaurant.
- Strong Restaurant Support: Barrio helps with site selection, lease negotiation, supply-chain agreements, and marketing.
- On-Trend Menu: Their food stands out — fresh meats, house-made salsa, and creative items like Bang-Bang Shrimp and Extreme Fries.
- Proven Concept: The parent chain (barBURRITO) is already very successful in Canada, lending operational credibility.
Founding & Brand Origin
Barrio Burrito Bar’s roots trace back to 2005, with the founding of barBURRITO in Toronto, Canada. Over time, the brand expanded and adapted.
- In 2020, BurritoBar USA Inc. introduced the concept into the U.S. market.
- In 2024, the company rebranded to Barrio Burrito Bar, refining its look, logo, and dining design to better resonate with U.S. consumers.
- The leadership team, including Jeff Young (Chief Development Officer), is actively driving master franchise development.
Market Insights & Expansion Strategy
- Master Franchise Momentum: The brand has recently awarded major master franchise rights – e.g., in Georgia (110-unit deal), Indiana (69 units), and Kentucky (45 units)
- Territorial Focus: Their strategy emphasizes secondary and tertiary U.S. markets, offering high growth potential in these areas.
- Store Footprint: Stores are relatively compact (1,000–1,500 sq ft), which helps in reducing real estate costs and enabling placement in shopping strips or plazas.
- Brand Momentum: With the Columbus, Ohio store (8th U.S. location) opening in 2025, the brand demonstrates real on-the-ground scale.
Also Read: Maid Brigade Franchise USA (2025)
Investment & How to Apply
Here is a detailed breakdown:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Investment | US$ 418,620 – US$ 753,000 |
| Franchise Fee | ~ US$ 35,000 (publicly reported) |
| Royalty | ~6% of gross sales (public sources) |
| Marketing Fee | ~2% of sales (for brand marketing) |
| Store Size | ~1,000–1,500 sq ft |
| Application Process | Download the franchise application PDF from Barrio’s [Franchising Page] and submit it to franchising@myburritobar.com |
| Support Provided | Site selection, lease guidance, field training, supply agreements, and marketing |
What Support Franchisees Receive
Barrio Burrito Bar provides strong backing to its franchise partners:
- Real Estate Assistance
They help identify ideal locations and negotiate leases, leveraging their real estate network. - Training & Operations
Franchisees and their staff receive hands-on training from Barrio’s field team to ensure service and quality standards. - Supply Chain
Through negotiated agreements, franchisees get better access to ingredients and supplies, helping manage costs. - Marketing & Branding
Both national and local marketing support is provided to boost store awareness and traffic. - Ongoing Field Support
Barrio’s corporate team continues to support with operations, quality checks, and growth strategy.
Requirements & Eligibility
To become a Barrio Burrito Bar franchisee, you should typically:
- Have sufficient capital for the initial investment (as noted above)
- Be open to either single store ownership or master territory development
- Have a vision for long-term growth and commitment to the Barrio brand
- Be willing to participate in the required training and maintain brand standards
- Fill out and submit the franchise application PDF (from their [official site]) to franchising@myburritobar.com
Application Process (Using Barrio Burrito Bar’s Official Franchising Page)
- Go to the Official Franchising Page
- Visit their franchising page: Barrio Burrito Bar Franchising
- This is where they clearly explain how to apply.
- Download the Franchise Application Form
- On that page, click “Download Application” to get the PDF form.
- Save it and open it to fill out all required fields.
- Fill Out the Form
- Provide your personal details, business background, and contact information.
- Include financial information as requested (liquidity, net worth) — this is critical for franchisors.
- Mention your proposed location or territory (especially if interested in a master or area development agreement).
- Prepare Supporting Documents
- Gather proof of funds or financial statements.
- Include a resume or business experience documentation.
- If you have a potential site (or sites), prepare a short real estate proposal or description.
- Email the Application
- Once the form is completed, send it to franchising@myburritobar.com.
- Use the subject line:
"Franchise Application – [Your Name / Territory]"(or something similar) to make your email clear and professional.
- Review & Discussions
- After submission, Barrio Burrito Bar’s development team will review your application.
- If your application is promising, they may reach out for further discussion (phone or video) to understand your vision, financial strength, and commitment.
- Real Estate & Site Selection
- Barrio offers site selection support and assists with lease negotiations.
- Work with their team to evaluate proposed sites (size, traffic, costs, etc.).
- Training & Pre-Opening
- Once a site is confirmed, you’ll go through Barrio’s field support training to prepare you and your team for operations.
- They also help set up supply agreements (ingredient sourcing) and brand-standard operations.
- Launch
- After training and store build-out, you can open your Barrio Burrito Bar location.
- Expect support for grand opening marketing and local brand activation.
- Ongoing Support
- Barrio continues to provide ongoing franchisee support in operations, marketing, and real estate as you grow.
- They also offer negotiated supply contracts and marketing resources to help scale.
Future Outlook
- Accelerated Growth: With 1,500+ unit commitments and several master franchise deals signed, Barrio Burrito Bar is clearly investing in aggressive U.S. expansion.
- Territorial MVPs: Master franchise partners are being awarded in multiple states (Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, etc.) to roll out hundreds of units.
- Training Hubs: Some franchisees are setting up flagship or training stores as regional anchors, which helps scale efficiently.
- Brand Evolution: The 2024 rebrand demonstrates Barrio’s commitment to long-term U.S. positioning — strong for customer loyalty and investor confidence.
- Menu Innovation: With a clean, flavorful Tex-Mex menu, Barrio has room to introduce new items and regional variations as they expand.
Pros & Risks
Pros
- Proven fast-casual Tex-Mex concept with strong franchise momentum
- Multiple franchise models (master, area, single)
- Compact footprint reduces real estate risk
- Strong operational and field support
- Growing brand recognition and committed development pipeline
- Scalable opportunity in secondary U.S. markets
Risks / Challenges
- High upfront investment requirement
- Ongoing royalty + marketing fees reduce margins
- Reliance on real estate deals: site selection is critical
- Operational complexity of a food business (supply, staff, quality)
- Competition from other Tex-Mex and fast-casual chains
Conclusion
Owning a Barrio Burrito Bar franchise in the United States is a compelling opportunity for ambitious entrepreneurs. With significant growth already underway and a well-supported franchise infrastructure, the brand offers a clear path for scaling. Whether you choose a master territory or a single-unit route, Barrio provides the tools and backing to grow.
To get started, download the application PDF from their [Franchising Page] and email the completed form to franchising@myburritobar.com. As the brand continues its U.S. expansion, now could be a great time to join early and build real equity in a rapidly growing Tex-Mex chain.
FAQs
1. How many Barrio Burrito Bar franchises are committed in the U.S.?
Ans: Over 1,500 units as of mid-2025.
2. What is the estimated cost to open one location?
Ans: US$ 418,620 to US$ 753,000, depending on store format.
3. How do I apply for a franchise?
Ans: Download the franchise application PDF from their [Franchising Page] and submit it to franchising@myburritobar.com.
4. What kind of support does Barrio Burrito Bar provide?
Ans: Real-estate assistance, training, supply agreements, and marketing support.
5. What are the ongoing fees?
Ans: Typically ~6% royalty + ~2% marketing fee (as reported by the brand’s franchise sources).
