Cinnabon vs El Fresco Mexican Grill
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Cinnabon and El Fresco Mexican Grill are quick-service restaurants franchises. Cinnabon requires an investment of $257K – $704K while El Fresco Mexican Grill requires $354K – $606K. Cinnabon discloses average revenue of $665K; El Fresco Mexican Grill does not report Item 19 data. Cinnabon has SBA lending data on file with a 6.9% charge-off rate. FranchiseVerdict rates Cinnabon A (Strongest tier) and El Fresco Mexican Grill B (Above average).
| Metric | Cinnabon | El Fresco Mexican Grill |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | AStrongest tierStrongest tier | BAbove averageAbove average |
| Investment Range | $257K – $704K | $354K – $606K |
| Franchise Fee | $36K | $30K |
| Royalty Rate | 6.0% | 5.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $665K | N/AIncl. company outlets |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 6.9% (63 loans) | N/A |
| Total Units | 1,338 | 4 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 2017 | 2021 |
| FDD Year | 2026 | 2026 |
Investment Range
$257K – $704K
$354K – $606K
Franchise Fee
$36K
$30K
Royalty Rate
6.0%
5.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$665K
N/AIncl. company outlets
SBA Charge-Off Rate
6.9% (63 loans)
N/A
Total Units
1,338
4
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
2017
2021
FDD Year
2026
2026