FRANCHISE RESALES

Buy a Costa Vida Franchise

Costa Vida is a fast-casual Mexican food franchise founded in 2003 in Layton, Utah, inspired by fresh, coastal Mexican cuisine. The brand emphasizes made-from-scratch meals using fresh, natural, and high-quality ingredients, offering customizable menu items such as burritos, tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, salads, and tropical beverages. Costa Vida has grown to 94 locations with ambitious expansion plans across the U.S., focusing on delivering a relaxed atmosphere, innovative chef-inspired food, and high perceived customer value. The leadership team, including founders and early franchisees Sean Collins and Dave Rutter, maintains a franchisee-focused culture, operating corporate locations alongside franchisees to ensure aligned interests and strong operational support.

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Why buy a Costa Vida Franchise?

Investing in Costa Vida offers entry into a proven, scalable fast-casual franchise with a unique niche in fresh, coastal Mexican cuisine. Franchisees benefit from a strong support system, efficient operations, and a leadership team deeply engaged in franchise success. With moderate initial investment requirements (approximately $660,000 to $1.3 million), flexible real estate options, and a growing loyal customer base, Costa Vida presents an attractive opportunity to capitalize on the booming fast-casual Mexican food market.

Costa Vida Franchise Costs & Information

Based on 2024 data reported in the 2025 FDD

  • Brand Profile

    • Year Founded

      2003

    • Franchising Since

      2004

    • New Startup Cost

      $674,500 – $1,340,000

    • Avg. Resale Price

      Contact us for details

  • Franchise Fees

    • Initial franchise Fee

      $30,000

      for new territories

    • Transfer Fee

      $10,000

    • Royalty Fee

      6%

      of Net Sales

    • Marketing Fee

      0.50%

      of Net Sales

  • Unit Performance

    • Total Units *

      93

    • New Units Opened *

      1

    • Units Transferred *

      0

    • Avg. Unit revenue *

      Not Disclosed

    * Based on 2024 data reported in the 2025 FDD

Costa Vida – Additional  Information

  1. Training & Support

    Costa Vida provides franchisees with regimented operations, easy-to-follow recipes, and strong vendor relationships to keep costs low and margins high. Franchisees benefit from comprehensive training programs, marketing strategies, operational manuals, and ongoing field support. The company emphasizes collaboration with franchise owners, offering a franchisee-focused corporate culture with leadership experienced in multi-unit restaurant ownership. Flexible real estate options, including endcaps, free-standing buildings, and drive-thru models, support diverse market entry strategies.

  2. Ideal Owner

    The ideal Costa Vida franchisee is a motivated entrepreneur with a passion for the foodservice industry and a commitment to operational excellence. Multi-unit operators and experienced restaurant owners are welcomed, but first-time franchisees with strong business acumen and a desire to grow are also suitable. Owners should value collaboration, customer experience, and brand standards.

  3. Recognition & Awards

    Costa Vida is recognized for its rapid growth and strong franchisee satisfaction. The brand’s consistent expansion into key markets and its reputation for fresh, high-quality food position it as a respected player in the fast-casual Mexican food segment.

  4. Industry / Market

    The fast-casual Mexican food market is growing rapidly, fueled by consumer demand for fresh, customizable, and healthier dining options. Costa Vida’s focus on scratch-made, natural ingredients and gluten-friendly choices aligns with clean eating trends. The brand’s expansion into high-growth markets like Dallas, Houston, Denver, and Atlanta reflects strong unit-level economics and a lucrative marketplace.

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