Franchise Opportunities

Own a Cafe Rio
Franchise

Join the Cafe Rio family — a vibrant Latin-inspired caferio brand growing across the United States. Build your future with a proven model, world-class support, and a menu guests love.

120+
Locations Nationwide
7
Years in Business
94%
Franchisee Satisfaction
30+
States Represented
Why Choose Cafe Rio

Franchise Benefits

Partnering with Cafe Rio means joining a family-first brand with everything you need to succeed from day one.

Proven Business Model

Leverage our time-tested operational system developed over 7+ years. Our caferio framework delivers consistent results across diverse markets.

Comprehensive Training

Receive 6 weeks of hands-on training at our flagship location, covering operations, staff management, food preparation, and customer service.

Marketing Support

Access national marketing campaigns, digital assets, social media toolkits, and a dedicated local marketing fund to drive awareness.

Iconic Menu

Serve a beloved menu of fresh burritos, tacos, and bowls that guests crave. Our chefs continuously innovate to keep the menu exciting.

Ongoing Support

Our dedicated franchise success team provides continuous operational guidance, regular site visits, and 24/7 support hotline access.

Protected Territory

Enjoy an exclusive territory agreement that protects your investment and ensures no competing Cafe Rio locations within your zone.

Ready to take the next step with Cafe Rio?

Apply for a Franchise
Investment

What Does It Cost?

We offer multiple franchise tiers to match different investment levels and market sizes. Transparent pricing, no hidden fees.

Cost Item Range
Initial Franchise Fee $30,000 – $45,000
Build-Out & Equipment $120,000 – $200,000
Initial Inventory $10,000 – $18,000
Training & Travel $5,000 – $8,000
Working Capital $25,000 – $50,000
Total Estimated Investment $190,000 – $320,000
Ongoing royalty fee of 5% of gross sales and 2% national marketing contribution apply. Exact costs depend on location, size, and market conditions.
Kiosk
$190K+
Min. Investment
  • 200–400 sq ft
  • Mall / Food Court
  • Core menu items
  • 3–5 staff
  • Full training
Apply Now
Express
$320K+
Min. Investment
  • 2,500–3,500 sq ft
  • Freestanding location
  • Full menu + bar
  • 15–20 staff
  • Drive-thru option
Apply Now
How It Works

Your Path to Ownership

We've streamlined the franchise process into 6 clear steps so you know exactly what to expect from inquiry to grand opening.

Step 01

Submit Your Inquiry

Complete our online franchise inquiry form. Share your background, investment capacity, and preferred location. Our team reviews every application personally.

Step 02

Discovery Call

A Cafe Rio franchise development specialist contacts you within 2 business days. We'll discuss your goals, answer questions, and determine mutual fit.

Step 03

Review Franchise Disclosure Document

We provide you with our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Take time to review it thoroughly with your attorney and financial advisor.

Step 04

Discovery Day

Visit our headquarters in Millcreek, UT. Meet the executive team, tour operations, and speak with existing franchisees to hear their first-hand experiences.

Step 05

Sign Agreement & Begin Training

Once approved, sign your franchise agreement, pay the initial franchise fee, and begin our comprehensive 6-week training program at our flagship location.

Step 06

Grand Opening

Our support team is on-site for your grand opening week. We handle marketing, staff training refreshers, and operations oversight to ensure a flawless launch.

Common Questions

Franchise FAQs

Have questions about becoming a Cafe Rio franchisee? We've answered the most common ones below.

Inside a Cafe Rio franchise restaurant

While prior restaurant experience is a plus, it is not a requirement. We look for passionate, business-minded individuals with strong leadership skills. Our comprehensive training program equips you with everything you need to run a successful Cafe Rio location.

From initial inquiry to signing your franchise agreement typically takes 60–90 days. This timeline allows adequate time to review the FDD, conduct due diligence, secure financing, and complete the approval process.

Cafe Rio works with preferred SBA lenders and equipment financing partners. We also have relationships with franchise-focused lenders who understand our model. We can connect you with financing specialists during the discovery process.

Yes. We offer multi-unit franchise agreements for qualified candidates. Many of our top franchisees operate 3–8 locations. Multi-unit agreements come with additional incentives including reduced franchise fees for additional units.

Franchisees pay a 5% royalty on gross sales and a 2% national marketing fund contribution. These fees fund continued brand development, national advertising, technology improvements, and ongoing franchisee support resources.

We currently have open territories in 38 states across the United States, with high availability in the Southeast, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest. Submit your inquiry form with your preferred location and we'll confirm availability during your discovery call.
Franchisee Stories

Hear From Our Partners

Real caferio franchisees share their experience building a business with Cafe Rio.

"Opening my Cafe Rio in Phoenix was the best decision I've made. The support team was with me every step. Within 18 months I opened a second location."

Marcus T., Cafe Rio franchisee in Phoenix
Marcus T.
Phoenix, AZ — 2 Locations

"The training program is exceptional. I had zero restaurant experience, but the Cafe Rio team set me up for success. My location hit profitability in month 11."

Priya K., Cafe Rio franchisee in Austin
Priya K.
Austin, TX — 1 Location

"The brand recognition is incredible. Customers walk in already knowing what they want. I'm expanding to a third location this year thanks to the momentum."

James R., Cafe Rio franchisee in Denver
James R.
Denver, CO — 2 Locations

Join over 120 successful Cafe Rio franchisees across the United States.

Apply for a Franchise
Get In Touch

Start Your Franchise Journey

Fill out the form and a Cafe Rio franchise specialist will contact you within 2 business days to discuss your opportunity.

Headquarters

4764 Highland Dr, Millcreek, UT 84117, USA

Franchise Hotline

+1 385-800-1644

Response Time

Within 2 business days

Cafe Rio franchise location interior
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Ready to Order at Cafe Rio?

While you consider your franchise opportunity, experience Cafe Rio as a customer and taste what makes our brand so irresistible.