Cilantro Taco Grill, the rapidly expanding authentic Mexican fast-casual franchise, is exploding with locations set to open across the country through multiple franchise agreements. Since signing its first franchise agreement in January 2024, the brand has already secured over 100 units in development in less than six months. The news comes just as the brand was named one of America’s Hottest Startup Fast Casual Brands in 2024 by QSR, as well as ranked #32 on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers.
Six different franchise groups have signed franchise agreements and an area rep agreement with Cilantro Taco Grill, totaling 110 units in development in Illinois, Texas, California, and Florida. Each group has resonated with the brand’s mission to uplift Latinos and immigrant communities through franchising, with all groups having immigrant backgrounds themselves. The new agreements highlight the brand’s rapid growth and the universal appeal of their mission.
The brand signed its first franchise agreement in January and has secured 100+ units nationwide in less than 6 months.
“We are incredibly proud of the over 100-unit growth Cilantro Taco Grill has achieved just six months after signing our first deal. What started as a small taqueria in 2013 has now scaled into a thriving brand spreading across the US. This growth is not just a testament to our passion and dedication but also a beacon of hope for other families striving to achieve the American dream. Together, we are creating opportunities and sharing the flavors of our heritage with communities nationwide.”
Temoc Morfin, Founder, Cilantro Taco Grill
Behind these Signed Franchise Agreements:
- Hemant Patel – Sugar Grove, IL
- Patel is Cilantro Taco Grill’s first franchisee, who also franchises with Subway, Checkers, and is a real estate developer.
- He waited more than seven years for Cilantro Taco Grill to begin franchising and jumped at his chance when they launched.
Mr. Patel –Mt. Prospect, IL - Patel is a long-time fan of Cilantro Taco Grill who is also a multi-unit franchisee with Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin’ Robbins.
- Hector Haget – 6-units Dallas, Texas & Orange County, California
- Haget is a seasoned multi-brand franchisee with Mountain Mikes and as an Area Rep for Jersey’s Mikes.
- His multi-state franchise agreement was motivated by including his family in his business efforts to continue their legacy together.
- Alex and Max Dreevs – 100-units in Florida
- Alex is a seasoned multi-brand franchisee and owns over two dozen retail and food franchise locations.
- Alex and Dreevs have resonated deeply with Cilantro Taco Grill’s mission to share the American Dream with their employees and will work closely with the brand to incorporate their employee-to-owner program in Florida’s operations.
- Eduardo Bravo – Chicago, IL
- Bravo is a highly successful business professional who has worked with companies such as Pepsi, Harley Davidson, and GE.
- He was enticed by Cilantro Taco Grill’s authentic Mexican flavors, philanthropic business model, and rapid nationwide growth.
- Roberto Sanchez – Wheeling, IL
- Sanchez is a Chicago-based serial entrepreneur whose latest business in the tech space is valued at more than 3.5M.
- He is a long-time customer of Cilantro Taco Grill who began franchising because of his love of the brand.
“The next big thing in the Mexican fast-casual space is real Mexican food. Chipotle and Taco Bell are now trying to come up with what they call ‘authentic Mexican’ menu items, but they are not actual Mexican concepts, so at best they will be superficial examples. Anyone who has been to Mexico and loves the food will know the difference when they try Cilantro Taco Grill.”
Dan Rowe, CEO, Fransmart, exclusive franchise development partner, Cilantro Taco Grill
The brand is also expanding rapidly nationwide, with over 100 locations signed in Illinois, Texas, Florida, and California. They have maintained impressive unit economics during their growth, with Average Sales/Sq. Ft. reaching $1083.58 in 2023.
Ideal franchisees have prior franchise experience and share Cilantro Taco Grill’s vision to uplift local communities. Franchisees receive expert training and guidance from the Cilantro Taco Grill team through their Cilantro Academy, in addition to a high-end tech stack that features a consumer app launching in summer 2024, digital menu boards, and a highly popular rewards program. Cilantro Taco Grill also features multiple revenue streams for franchisees with a popular catering program and bottles of their ultra-popular house salsa consistently flying off shelves.