How Much Does a California Tortilla Franchise Cost?
Data from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document
Investment Summary
Total Investment
$444K – $837K
Franchise Fee
$40K
Royalty
5.0%
Ad Fund
2.0%
Cost Breakdown
Initial Franchise Fee
The initial franchise fee for California Tortilla is $40K. This one-time payment covers the right to operate under the brand, access to proprietary systems, and initial training programs.
Total Investment Range
Opening a California Tortilla franchise requires a total investment of $444K – $837K. This range typically includes real estate or leasehold improvements, equipment and fixtures, initial inventory, signage, insurance, and working capital to sustain operations during the ramp-up period.
Working capital alone ranges from $15K to $30K.
Ongoing Costs
Beyond the initial investment, California Tortilla franchisees pay ongoing fees. The royalty fee is 5.0% of gross sales (Gross Sales). The advertising or brand fund contribution is 2.0% of gross sales.
Net Worth & Liquid Capital Requirements
California Tortilla requires working capital of $15K – $30K to cover initial operating expenses. This is the liquid cash you should have available beyond the franchise fee and buildout costs.
What Can You Earn?
According to California Tortilla's Item 19 financial performance representation:
Median gross sales: $869K
This figure comes from Item 19 of the FDD. Gross sales are not the same as take-home profit. After deducting royalties, ad fund fees, rent, labor, and COGS, net income is typically a fraction of gross revenue.
How Do Banks View California Tortilla?
SBA Loans Issued
22
Default Rate
40.0%
The SBA (Small Business Administration) tracks loan performance for franchise brands. California Tortilla has 22 SBA-backed loans on record. The default rate is 40.0%, which is above the franchise industry average, suggesting higher lending risk. A lower default rate generally indicates that lenders view the franchise as a safer investment, though past performance does not guarantee future results.
Next Steps
Talk to current California Tortilla franchise owners
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