California Tortilla franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The California Tortilla franchise fee is $40,000 and the total initial investment ranges from $378,400 to $697,000, with about $90,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the California Tortilla FDD.
What are the California Tortilla franchise fees and investment?
The California Tortilla franchise requires a franchise fee of $40,000 and a total initial investment of $378,400 to $697,000. The franchise fee is one line inside the total investment, which also covers location, equipment, opening inventory and working capital.
| Franchise fee (FDD Item 5) | $40,000 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $378,400 to $697,000 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $90,000 |
| US locations | 45 |
| Industry | Food & Restaurant (Fast Casual) |
| Headquarters | Potomac, Maryland |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Franchising since | 2003 |
How does the California Tortilla investment compare with other food & restaurant franchises?
California Tortilla's minimum investment of $378,400 is above the median minimum investment of $297,082 across the 1213 food & restaurant franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 480 of the other 1211 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $40,000 compares with an industry median of $35,000.
By minimum investment, California Tortilla belongs with franchises from $250,000 to $500,000.
What should you verify in the California Tortilla FDD?
Verify six parts of the California Tortilla Franchise Disclosure Document before you sign, because figures change with every annual FDD:
- Item 5 and Item 6: the current franchise fee, royalty, marketing fund and technology fees.
- Item 7: the full investment range by expense line, including working capital.
- Item 19: whether California Tortilla discloses financial performance data, and which units it covers.
- Item 20: openings, closures and transfers, plus contacts for current and former franchisees.
- Item 21: the franchisor's audited financial statements.
- Item 12: whether your territory is protected.
The full list of Items is in the FDD guide. You must receive the FDD at least 14 calendar days before you sign a binding agreement or pay any money.
Which franchises are similar to California Tortilla?
These food & restaurant franchises have the closest minimum investment to California Tortilla:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| FIREHOUSE SUBS | $20,000 | $378,650 to $1,037,100 |
| Rakkan Ramen | $20,000 | $379,500 to $865,000 |
| Abbott's Frozen Custard | $37,000 | $379,785 to $677,456 |
| Palm Berries | $35,000 | $380,000 to $630,000 |
| Teriyaki Madness | $45,000 | $376,200 to $975,860 |
See every brand in food & restaurant franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a California Tortilla franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a California Tortilla franchise ranges from $378,400 to $697,000, including a franchise fee of $40,000, according to franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. The exact amount depends on location, build-out and working capital, as shown in Item 7 of the FDD.
How much cash do you need to open a California Tortilla franchise?
California Tortilla lists a minimum of about $90,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many California Tortilla locations are there?
California Tortilla reported 45 US locations in the data compiled in October 2026. Item 20 of the FDD shows openings, closures and transfers for the last three years.
How long has California Tortilla been franchising?
California Tortilla started offering franchises in 2003 after the company was founded in 1995.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. California Tortilla and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by California Tortilla. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.