Key points:
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Chipotle is not a franchise opportunity in the U.S., leading many entrepreneurs to look for similar fast-casual concepts they can own.
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Franchisees have found success other top franchise alternatives to Chipotle based on Franchise Business Review’s franchisee satisfaction data. They include award-winning food concepts like Bubbakoo’s Burritos, Penn Station East Coast Subs, Checkers & Rally’s, Pizza Factory, and East Coast Wings + Grill.
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These alternatives offer diverse food franchising opportunities across Mexican-inspired bowls, sandwiches, burgers, pizza and wings, with varying investment levels and proven franchise models for prospective investors.
In 2006, Chipotle Mexican Grill, the hugely popular burrito chain, bought back all of its previously sold franchises. Like Starbucks, Chipotle prefers to maintain strict control over its brand experience. Since then, the brand had been 100 percent corporate owned. But in 2023, it signed its first international franchise development agreement in the Middle East.
Still, while there is some renewed hope for the franchising of Chipotle, as of now it’s not an option for all of us would-be burrito slingers in North America. The good news is there are plenty of great food chains, beyond Chipotle, that DO franchise. Here are some food franchises to get excited about.
See the Complete List of FBR’s Top-Rated Food Franchises
Top-Rated Chipotle Mexican Grill Franchise Alternatives
At Franchise Business Review, we survey thousands of franchisees across hundreds of brands to find out which franchises are the best based 100 percent on franchisee satisfaction. Below is a list of five FBR top-rated food franchises that would make great Chipotle franchise alternatives!
Bubbakoo’s Burritos
Like Chipotle, Bubbakoo’s Burritos serves generous portions of delicious made-to-order Mexican food at affordable prices. Bubbakoo’s opened their first store in 2008 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey and has since expanded to more than 100 locations in 15 states. With roots in the skater and shore scene, they aim to provide a warm, welcoming, high-energy dining experience with a focus on WOW service and quality.
Bubbakoo’s is expanding nationwide with targeted territories in the Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest. Bubbakoo’s Burritos has received top marks from franchisees FBR’s franchisee satisfaction survey, landing it on FBR’s Top Franchises list. If you’re interested in purchasing a Bubbakoo’s franchise, an initial investment starts at $356,000.
Penn Station East Coast Subs
Penn Station may not scratch your itch for Mexican, but like Chipotle, they emphasize fresh, quality products made to order in front of the customer. With a variety of grilled submarine sandwiches, hand-cut fries, and fresh-squeezed lemonade, Penn Station is a crave-worthy alternative. Founded in 1985 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the brand began franchising in 1987. Today, there are more than 320 locations nationwide with additional growth planned.
Penn Station an FBR Hall of Fame award-winner, with 10+ years of being recognized as a Top Franchise. On FBR’s most recent satisfaction survey, a whopping 90% of their franchisees say they enjoy operating their business. If you’re interested in opening a Penn Station franchise, download a free satisfaction report.
Checkers and Rally’s
Nothing quite rivals a cheesy Mexican inspired meal like a juicy burger and crispy, perfectly seasoned fries. Checkers and Rally’s won’t fulfill your Mexican craving, but if you’re in the mood for some wings, a burger and a cold soda, Checkers and Rally’s has your back. Like Chipotle, you can get in and out of Checkers fast — no wait staff required. And they’re a hugely successful (and affordable) franchise, with brand recognition rivaling that of Chipotle.
Checkers and Rally’s has over 750locations and still has top-tier market availability in most major US markets. Checkers and Rally’s is an FBR top-rated franchise. They require an initial investment between $640,000 – $2.7M. You can learn more about Checkers and Rally’s here.
Pizza Factory
When Friday rolls around, and everyone is exhausted from a long week, pizza is what’s for dinner! In fact, roughly three billion pizzas are sold in the US every year. So, if you’re looking for a food franchise opportunity that serves up quick cuisine and that’s just as tasty as Chipotle, you might want to consider Pizza Factory.
Pizza Factory offers a family-focused and welcoming atmosphere and has over 100 locations. It’s an FBR award winning franchise brand with a required initial startup investment between $323,000 and $740,000. You can learn more about Pizza Factory and download a full franchisee satisfaction report here.
East Coast Wings + Grill
You might not know it by the name, but East Coast Wings + Grill serves more than just wings. They also have a full Mexican-inspired menu offering quesadillas, tacos and wraps. They also serve up sandwiches, burgers, flatbreads, soup and salad. So, if you’re interested in owning a franchise that offers Mexican and more, East Coast Wings + Grill is a great option.
East Coast Wings + Grill is an FBR top-rated brand and has an initial startup investment between $408,000 and $1.2M. You can learn more about East Coast Wings + Grill here.
These are just five great options to consider as you look at Chipotle franchise alternatives. But there are many more! You can see all the top-rated food franchise opportunities including Kona Ice and Westside Pizza by visiting the top rated food franchises list.
See This Year’s Top Rated Food Franchises
Ready to Buy a Food Franchise?
Food and beverage franchises offer an exciting opportunity for business owners who don’t mind making a bigger financial investment, working long hours, and managing a large and diverse workforce. Food operators remain some of the most passionate in all of franchising, and while the investment is higher, so is the potential for return.
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As a potential business owner, you may be initially attracted to the hype around a particular brand (like Chipotle!) or the overall idea of running a restaurant; but this should come second behind thorough due diligence. As a prospective franchisee it’s important to do your homework and compare opportunities side-by-side—looking at both well-known brands, as well as smaller, lesser-known companies. Every food franchise has its own culture, and as a prospective franchisee you should carefully consider how that culture fits with your own business goals before committing to a brand.
As you continue your hunt for the perfect Chipotle franchise alternative, you can depend on FBR to be a trusted source of unbiased market research. In addition to the top food franchise brands, we also rate the top franchise brands across all categories.
