Build Your Future With a Proven Brand
Join a growing family of franchise owners who bring fresh, vibrant coastal Mexican cuisine to communities across the United States.
The Costa Vida Advantage
We give our franchise partners everything they need to open strong and grow with confidence.
Proven Business Model
Our system has been refined over two decades. You get a blueprint built on real data, real customers, and real results — not guesswork.
Comprehensive Training
From pre-opening bootcamp to ongoing education, our team prepares you and your staff to deliver the Costa Vida experience from day one.
National Marketing Support
Benefit from a nationally recognized brand, coordinated campaigns, and professionally developed marketing materials ready to deploy locally.
Operational Systems
Access our proprietary POS, inventory management, and scheduling systems. We make running your restaurant efficient and scalable.
Dedicated Field Support
Your personal franchise business consultant visits regularly, answers your questions, and helps you solve challenges before they become problems.
Supply Chain Network
Leverage our established supplier relationships for fresh, high-quality ingredients at competitive prices — a major advantage from day one.
What You Need to Get Started
We offer two franchise models to fit different markets and investment levels.
Standard Location
- Franchise Fee $40,000
- Build-Out & Equipment $180K–$300K
- Royalty Fee 5% of Sales
- Marketing Fund 2% of Sales
- Liquid Capital Required $150,000
- Net Worth Required $500,000
Express / Food Court
- Franchise Fee $25,000
- Build-Out & Equipment $90K–$180K
- Royalty Fee 5% of Sales
- Marketing Fund 2% of Sales
- Liquid Capital Required $80,000
- Net Worth Required $250,000
* All figures are estimates and may vary based on location, market conditions, and other factors. Full details in our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Your Path to Opening Day
A clear, guided journey from first inquiry to grand opening — and beyond.
Submit Your Inquiry
Fill out our franchise inquiry form below. Our development team will review your background, financial qualifications, and target market to determine initial fit within two business days.
Discovery Call & FDD Review
We schedule a discovery call to discuss your goals and answer questions. You receive our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) — a comprehensive legal document outlining all the details of our franchise opportunity.
Discovery Day Visit
Visit our headquarters in Bountiful, Utah. Meet the leadership team, tour our flagship location, talk with existing franchisees, and experience our operations firsthand. This is your chance to ask anything.
Sign the Franchise Agreement
Once approved, you sign the Franchise Agreement and pay the initial franchise fee. Your dedicated franchise consultant is assigned and territory is secured. Welcome to the Costa Vida family.
Site Selection & Build-Out
Our real estate team assists in identifying and approving a site. We guide you through lease negotiation, design, permitting, and construction. Our approved vendor network keeps build-outs on schedule and budget.
Training & Grand Opening
Complete our intensive training program covering operations, food safety, customer experience, and financials. Then launch with our full grand opening support — local marketing, in-store coaching, and a dedicated opening team by your side.
Hear From Our Partners
Real words from real Costa Vida franchise owners across the country.
"Opening my Costa Vida was the best business decision I've ever made. The support from corporate is unlike anything I've seen in other franchises. They truly care about your success."
"The training program is world-class. Even with no restaurant background, I felt fully prepared by the time we opened our doors. We were profitable within our first six months."
"I now own three locations. The scalability of this system is what impressed me most. Once you understand the model, opening a second and third location is much smoother than you'd think."
Your Community Deserves Costa Vida
Take the first step toward owning a restaurant you can be proud of. Our team is ready to answer your questions and walk you through the process.
Submit Your Inquiry Order NowFranchise Inquiry Form
Fill out the form below and a member of our franchise development team will reach out within 2 business days.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Liquid assets of $80K+ and verifiable net worth of $250K or more depending on model selected.
Management or entrepreneurial background preferred. Restaurant experience is a plus but not required.
Ability to hire, train, and lead a team of 15–30 employees with enthusiasm and accountability.
Genuine enthusiasm for fresh food, community service, and the Costa Vida mission and values.
Understanding of your target market, demographics, and a commitment to being present in your community.