Own a disruptive
Mexican Fusion QSR
in the $100 billion Mexican Restaurant industryBubbakoo’s Burritos is an innovative, digital-forward, emerging growth, fast-casual Mexican-fusion brand
built around a customer value proposition centered on product customization, high-quality ingredients, and efficient operations. Since its founding in 2008, the company has expanded to almost 200 locations open and under development, doing business in nearly half of the United States.Investment Highlights
2008
Year established150+
Units openMenu
Mexican Fusion$120M+
Systemwide Sales1M+ Annually
Guests served27%
AVG Food Cost (corporate locations)*29% (with manager, fully loaded)
AVG Labor Cost (corporate locations)*
8%
AVG Occupancy Cost (corporate locations)*$31
AVG customer ticket$1M
AVG sales (corporate locations)*1200 - 1600 sqft
Small footprint$550K
Startup Costs2:1 Approximately
Sales to investment Ratio50%+
% of revenue ordered from online platforms
10 Reasons
Franchisees Invest in Bubbakoo’s- Strong consumer demand for fresh, flavorful, affordable, and customizable meals
- A simple operating system, with a robust training program, creates ease of operation and greater scalability
- Small 1,200-1,600 footprint, reducing high real estate risk
- A low payroll roster makes it easier to staff
- High average check of $31, compared to other chains' $13-$16 range
- Low 27% food and paper costs (corporate locations)*
- Low 29% labor cost (corporate locations)*
- Approximate 2:1 sales to investment ratio
- Over $1MM in sales (corporate locations)
- Low target investment of only $550K
- (Bonus) Digital-savvy marketing: 50% of revenues are from online ordering platforms (Why limit ourselves to only 10?)
Key Elements
of our Innovative Menu-
Non-traditional proteins and flavor profilesExamples include Korean Nashville Hot Chicken, Hibachi, California Steakhouse Burritos, and other globally inspired marinades not typically associated with classic Mexican fare.
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Customization-driven menu designGuests can mix and match proteins, sauces, toppings, and bases in ways that reflect American fast-casual expectations rather than traditional Mexican structure.
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Broad appeal over authenticityThe focus is on bold, craveable flavors that resonate with American consumers—particularly younger, more educated customers.
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Fast-casual executionSpeed, convenience, customization, and affordability
BRAND
HISTORY
meet
the Leadership Team
Christopher IvesChief Executive Officer
Chris Ives has led Bubbakoo’s as CEO since 2025, following prior roles as CFO and VP of Finance & Development. He previously served as Operating Officer for Frutta Bowls, bringing deep experience in scaling emerging restaurant brands. Chris is a Certified Franchise Executive.
Austin LeFevreChief Financial Officer
Austin LeFevre became CFO in 2025 after senior finance roles at Krispy Kreme, including Director of International Finance. He also brings corporate finance experience from Lowe’s, supporting disciplined planning and growth.
Gus DiGiovanniSenior Vice President of Operations
Gus has overseen Bubbakoo’s operations since 2019 and previously served as Director of Operations for Dunkin’ Brands, where he managed multi-unit performance and operational standards across a major market.
Ron Bidnoist Senior Vice President of Construction
Ron leads development and construction, guiding new builds and remodels. Before this role, he served as VP of Operations, giving him comprehensive insight into both store design and operational needs.
Luke B. Mandola, Jr.Vice President of Franchise Sales & Development
Luke joined Bubbakoo’s in 2025 to lead franchise sales and market expansion. He brings extensive experience from Mandola Consulting, Brix Holdings, and Shipley Do-Nuts, where he drove multi-unit franchise growth.
Alex JanoVice President of Marketing
Alex leads brand strategy, franchise marketing, and local store marketing for Bubbakoo’s Burritos. She brings extensive restaurant and beverage experience from Coca-Cola, Domino’s, and Burger King, specializing in scalable local marketing programs that drive traffic and community engagement.startup costs?
| TYPE OF EXPENDITURE | AMOUNT | METHOD OF PAYMENT | WHEN DUE | TO WHOM PAYMENT IS TO BE MADE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee1 | $35,000 | Lump Sum | When Signing your Franchise Agreement | Us |
| Training Expenses2 | $5,000 to $10,000 | As Arranged | As Incurred | Third-Parties |
| Utility and Security Deposits3 | $1,000 to $10,000 | As Arranged | As Arranged | Landlord and Utility Companies |
| Insurance Premiums4 | $1,000 to $8,000 | As Arranged | As Arranged | Third-Party Insurance Agency |
| Business Permits and Licenses5 | $3,000 to $20,000 | As Incurred | As Incurred | Government Agencies |
| Rent (3 months)6 | $12,000 to $25,000 | As Arranged | As Arranged | Third-Party Landlord |
| Design and Architectural Fees7 | $5,000 to $15,000 | As Arranged | As Arranged | Third-Party Suppliers |
| Leasehold Improvements8 | $175,000 to $400,000 | As Arranged | As Arranged | Third-Party Suppliers/Vendors |
| Interior Brand Design Package | $5,000 to $10,000 | As Arranged | As Arranged | Approved Suppliers |
| Signage9 | $5,000 to $35,000 | As Arranged | As Arranged | Third-Party Suppliers/Vendors |
| Furniture and Fixtures10 | $5,000 to $10,000 | As Arranged | As Arranged | Third-Party Suppliers/Vendors |
| Equipment11 | $75,000 to $120,000 | As Arranged | As Incurred | Third-Party Suppliers |
| Initial Inventory12 | $6,000 to $12,000 | As incurred | As agreed | Third-party Supplier |
| Grand Opening Advertising13 | $5,000 | As Arranged | As Arranged | Third-Party Supplier or Us |
| POS/Back Office System14 | $2,000 to $5,000 | As Arranged | As Incurred | Third-Party Suppliers |
| Professional Fees | $1,000 to $7,000 | As Arranged | As Incurred | Licensed Professionals |
| Additional Funds (3 Months)15 | $15,000 to $30,000 | As Arranged | As Incurred | Various |
| Total16 | $356,000 to $757,000 | |||
Financial Performance
See FDD for more details- AUV over $900K
- Low $550K Average Target Investment
- Approximate 2:1 Sales to Investment Ratio
- Low 8% AVG Occupancy Costs (Corporate Locations)
- Small 1,200 - 1,500 sq ft Footprint
- Low 27% Food cost (Corporate Locations)
- Low 29% Labor Costs (Corporate Locations)
Our Customers?
Core Customer Segments
Young Professionals & Students
Drawn to fast service, bold flavors, value-driven pricing, and the ability to customize burritos, bowls, tacos, and fusion items. Strong digital adoption, supported by Bubbakoo’s 4.8-star mobile app, makes this segment a high-frequency contributor.
FAMILY AND EVERYDAY DINERS
Appreciating the “something for everyone” menu, generous portions, and friendly hospitality, families increasingly rely on Bubbakoo’s for convenient weeknight meals and weekend dining.
HEALTH-CONSCIOUS AND LIFESTYLE-FOCUSED GUESTS
Many choose bowls, salads, and customizable ingredients that support dietary preferences such as high-protein, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-conscious lifestyles.
DIGITAL AND DELIVERY CUSTOMERS
With 50% of orders placed digitally and strong loyalty engagement, Bubbakoo’s serves a large base of off-premise diners who favor mobile ordering, curbside, delivery, and repeat incentives.
LOCAL BUSINESS AND INSTITUTIONS
Catering programs serve offices, schools, sports organizations, and community events, offering large-format meals ideal for group dining and workplace occasions.
What Our Customers
are sayingMegan L., Philadelphia, PA Yelp“We added sweet chili sauce to our quesadillas and bowl for that extra kick, it was perfect.”
“Servings are huge without asking for extra. Chicken burrito with Nashville hot sauce was great, and very clean inside.”Chris S., Centerville, OH Yelp
“Great friendly staff and tasty burrito bowl, the hibachi steak burrito bowl was fresh and flavorful.”Alex T., Coral Springs, FL Tripadvisor
“I love that they greet everyone with a smile, the portions are generous and food arrives hot. I order most of my meals via the app.”Sophia R., Lakeland, FL Wanderlog
“Stopped in to try a burrito, better than Chipotle in my opinion!”Bradley C., Philadelphia, PA Tripadvisor
What Territories
Are available?Bubbakoo’s is expanding nationally, with significant whitespace across suburban, commuter, and mixed-use markets, making it an ideal fit for multi-unit developers.
Bubbakoo’s offers franchisees territory protection for each restaurant. The size of the territory depends on such factors as customer drive time, population density, and other considerations.
Good location?
Bubbakoo’s typically fits 1,200–2,200 sq. ft. end caps, inline, or freestanding buildings, or second-generation restaurant conversions.
Key Location Characteristics include:
- High visibility & signage opportunities
- 20,000+ average daily traffic count
- Ample parking and easy ingress/egress
- Positive co-tenant mix (grocery, fitness, coffee, big-box retail)
- Attractive rent factors aligned with unit economics
- 2nd-generation conversions that reduce build-out time and cost
Franchise Candidate?
Required Qualifications:
- U.S. Resident or Green Card
- 660+ Credit Score
- No criminal background
- No bankruptcy (last 7 years)
Ideal candidates are growth-oriented single and multi-unit restaurateurs who embrace a people-first culture, maintain high standards of food integrity, and have a track record of building strong teams and operational excellence.
Financial Requirements:
- $1,000,000 net worth (Multi-Unit)
- $500,000 (Single Unit)
- $500,000 liquid capital (Multi-Unit
- $200,000 (Single Unit)
Financing typically requires demonstrating financial capacity through personal and business statements, projections, and discussions with lenders. Candidates who meet the qualitative and quantitative standards are well-positioned to secure capital and thrive within Bubbakoo’s proven system.
What Our Franchisees
are sayingWhere do you currently own Bubbakoo’s?
In the Central Florida region - I have one in Lakemary and two in Orlando.
What did you do before you became a Bubbakoo’s franchisee?
I spent the last 15 years in retail. Why did you originally look at Bubbakoo’s? I was looking into food franchises and wanted something new and different which would attract people.
What was it about Bubbakoo’s that caught your interest?
Initially at the first visit, it was the food. Definitely very different, if you compare it with any other fast casual or a Tex-Mex style restaurant. The flavor profile and the option to create your food according to your palette was what caught my attention.
Why did you invest in Bubbakoo’s?
My first meet and greet with the Bubbakoo’s team gave me the confidence that I was moving in the right direction. Further research and contacting existing franchisees made me realize this was just the beginning for Bubbakoo’s and I wanted to be a part of it as soon as possible.
What were your primary concerns before becoming a franchisee?
Of course investing money in the right place is always the biggest concern. I’ve also met many other people who invested money in other franchises and it didn’t turn out the way they expected because management was only interested in the growth of the franchise and not the growth of the franchisee.
What have you learned since?
Franchising is different from running your own mom and pop business. Franchises have guidelines and proper planning which if followed exactly, means the business becomes successful. Also the growth opportunity is wider, and if done correctly, you can multiply your business in a couple of years.
Knowing what you know now, would you make the same decision again? Why?
Definitely, it would be the easiest decision. Over the past few years, we’ve realized the Bubbakoo’s team actually cares for their Franchisees and their growth and success. They’ve been available from day one and if there are any concerns or if any help is needed, they are just a call or email away. If we, as a Franchisee, are putting our 100% into the business, the Bubbakoo’s team is putting in 110% to make sure our business is successful and that we keep growing along with them. If it wasn’t for the team, Bubbakoo’s wouldn’t be where it is right now.
