Cilantro Taco Grill Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$273,000 - $730,800
Franchise Fee
$17,500
Min Cash Required
$25,000
Total US Locations
15
Business Summary
Cilantro Taco Grill operates fast-casual restaurants specializing in authentic Mexican food, such as tacos, burritos, salads, and tortas. These restaurants offer dine-in and take-out services, with catering and delivery options available after three months of operation, subject to franchisor approval. Cilantro Taco Grill locations are typically found in high-traffic areas like strip malls, shopping centers, and free-standing buildings.
Corporate History
CTG Franchise LLC was formed in Illinois on December 21, 2022, and began offering Cilantro Taco Grill franchises in June 2023. Although the franchising entity is relatively new, its affiliates have been operating Cilantro Taco Grill restaurants, which are similar to the franchised business, since 2013. The brand operates under the "Cilantro Taco Grill" trademarks.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$273,000 - $730,800
Franchise Fee (Low)
$17,500
Franchise Fee (High)
$35,000
Minimum Cash Required
$25,000
Royalty %
6%
Marketing %
2%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$148,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$440,000
Working Capital
$62,500
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
CTG Franchise LLC has audited financial statements with an unqualified opinion, indicating that the financial position is presented fairly. The company was formed in December 2022 and began franchising in 2023. As of December 31, 2023, Cilantro Taco Grill reported $98,177 in cash and no liabilities. However, the company recorded a net loss of $36,540 in 2023, with no operating revenue from franchise fees, royalties, or marketing funds in either 2022 or 2023. This reflects its very early stage of development as a franchisor.
Financing Details
Cilantro Taco Grill does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. The franchisor also does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other obligations.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
15
Franchised Units
0
Corporate Units
15
Avg Square Footage
1,400
Franchising Since
2023
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Cilantro Taco Grill has no litigation history to report.
Bankruptcy History
Cilantro Taco Grill has no bankruptcy history to report for itself or its key personnel.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew, Cilantro Taco Grill franchisees must be in full compliance with their agreement, have no more than three defaults during the current term, and no monetary defaults in the preceding 12 months. They must provide written notice at least six months before the current term ends, sign a new franchise agreement, and pay a Successor Agreement Fee. Additionally, franchisees must maintain their location and trade dress to current standards, sign a general release, and meet all current qualifications and training requirements, including any additional training.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Cilantro Taco Grill provides comprehensive support to its franchisees. Before opening, the franchisor assists with site selection and approval, provides specifications for layout, design, appearance, and signage, and loans the Operations Manual and online learning modules. Franchisees receive initial training for up to three individuals at the franchisor's headquarters or an affiliate-owned location, and up to 10 days of on-site training and assistance upon the opening of their first unit. The franchisor also provides standards for employee qualifications and training, and recommends maximum prices. After opening, Cilantro Taco Grill offers ongoing assistance, which includes mandatory or optional additional training programs (up to 5 days per year, with fees and expenses paid by franchisee), and required attendance at annual business meetings or conventions (up to 5 days per year, with fees and expenses). Corrective on-site training is available upon request (for a fee), along with individualized support via telephone, video conferencing, or email within reasonable limits. Additionally, Cilantro Taco Grill provides advertising and promotional materials, conducts regular inspections of the franchised business, and supplies updated lists of approved equipment and suppliers. All franchisee-proposed advertising and promotional campaigns require franchisor approval.
Initial Training Hours
126
Training Location
Chicago, Illinois
Ongoing Support
After opening, Cilantro Taco Grill provides ongoing support including mandatory or optional additional training programs, up to five days per year, and required attendance at an annual business meeting or franchisee conference, also up to five days annually. Franchisees are responsible for associated fees and expenses for these. The franchisor also offers corrective on-site training and individualized assistance via telephone, video conferencing, or email upon request (with fees for on-site training). Additionally, Cilantro Taco Grill provides advertising and promotional materials, conducts regular inspections of the franchised business, and supplies updated lists of approved equipment and suppliers. All franchisee-proposed advertising and promotional campaigns require franchisor approval.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Cilantro Taco Grill seeks individuals who are capable of hiring and designating a General Manager and two Managers to oversee the daily operations of the franchised business. While personal supervision by the owner is recommended, it is not strictly required. A Principal can serve as a General Manager or Manager if they have a minimum of three years of prior restaurant management or ownership experience. All designated General Managers and Managers, as well as some other staff, must be ServSafe® Food Handler certified and, if serving alcohol, TIPS certified. These key personnel must meet the franchisor's educational and business criteria and successfully complete the HQ Initial Training Program.
Industry Experience Required
Yes
Management Experience Required
Yes
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Min Years Experience
3
Operational Details
Location Type
Retail
Owner Participation
Supervisory
Territory Type
Protected
Territory Size Requirements
Cilantro Taco Grill territories are defined on an individual basis, considering factors like geographic area, population density, neighborhood characteristics, and local competition. They may be described by zip codes, streets, landmarks, or county lines. A typical territory is up to a 2-mile radius in suburban areas or up to a 1/4-mile radius in metropolitan or high-density urban areas. For non-traditional sites like airports, stadiums, or hospitals, franchisees will not receive a defined territory, and such sites are excluded from any surrounding territory.
Staffing Notes
Cilantro Taco Grill franchisees are required to consistently employ and designate a minimum of one General Manager and two Managers who will be primarily responsible for the day-to-day supervision and operation of the business. These managers must dedicate their full time and efforts to the franchised business. The franchisor also requires additional personnel to operate and manage the franchised business. General Managers and Managers must meet the franchisor's educational and business criteria, be acceptable to the franchisor, and successfully complete the HQ Initial Training Program. A Principal may serve as a General Manager or Manager if they have at least three years of prior restaurant management or ownership experience. If a manager position becomes vacant, a replacement must be designated within 60 days. All managers and other designated personnel must maintain ServSafe® Food Handler certification, and TIPS certification if beer and wine are offered. Additionally, all personnel with access to proprietary or confidential information must sign a Non-Disclosure/Non-Competition Agreement.