Thinking of embarking on the Tex Mex adventure? Whether you're a seasoned restaurateur or in the midst of a career transition, opening a Mexican restaurant in 2025 sounds like an idea as tasty as it is strategic. But you still need to follow the right steps to turn your entrepreneurial adventure into a real success. In this article, we share with you 10 concrete tips for setting up a profitable Tex Mex restaurant. Follow the guide!
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This is a question you've probably asked yourself if you're thinking of opening a Mexican restaurant.Â
Tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas... Mexican cuisine has conquered the hearts (and stomachs) of the French. And it's only just begun! The ethnic segment in fast food is growing fast, with a special mention for Tex Mex. And why? It's gourmet, colorful, customizable and often very affordable.
In short, it ticks all the boxes to win over customers and deliver healthy margins for restaurateurs like you.
Tex Mex is perfectly adapted to new consumer habits: meals on the go, home delivery, click & collect... Products are easy to transport, retain their taste qualities, and are easy to personalize. The result: boosted profitability thanks to these high-demand channels.
In 2025, with the rise of nomadic eating, Tex Mex may be seen as a natural ally of "phygital" catering.
Tex Mex is about more than taste. It's a cuisine that evokes travel, the warmth of the South and conviviality. It creates a memorable atmosphere, both in decoration and in communication. And in marketing, we know: the more memorable the experience, the greater the customer loyalty!
Vegan, gluten-free, spicy or not, Tex Mex is ultra-flexible. It adapts to today's diets without losing flavor. It's sure to appeal to a wide audience, including discerning foodies and nutrition-conscious consumers.
Tex Mex is often based on simple recipes, standardized ingredients and streamlined processes, making it easy to manage... but also to scale up. The result: an ideal model for developing several outlets or creating a franchise network.
So if you're thinking "multi-site" or "scalable entrepreneurship", you've come to the right place.
That's the big question. If you have a strong background in catering, independence will offer you freedom and originality. But if you're looking for a structured framework, a well-known brand and solid operational support, franchising is a real springboard.
When you choose a Tex Mex franchise, you benefit from :
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Before jumping in headlong, take the time to analyze your environment : local competition, consumer habits, foot traffic, purchasing power... Adapt your concept to real demand. If you opt for a franchise, we can help you with this analysis.
Specializing in tacos? Tailor-made burritos? Street food or fast casual? Define a clear, differentiating positioning in line with your target market. You also need to be consistent with your catchment area and your development ambitions.
A business plan helps you structure your project, anticipate your cash flow needs and convince your financial partners.
What's your budget? On average, you'll need between €120,000 and €250,000 for your initial investment (excluding leasehold rights), including: work, equipment, communication, initial stock, entry fee (for franchises) and a personal contribution of 30 to 40%.
👉 F urther information: Budget for opening a fast-food restaurant: everything you need to know
The ideal location is visible, accessible and well situated in a high-traffic area. Tex Mex fast-food restaurants are equally at home in a busy city center, an office zone or a student district. Other factors not to be overlooked: ERP standards, building permits and PRM access.
Bet on a menu with star products that can be easily adapted. Your objective is threefold: optimize purchasing, simplify production and guarantee consistent quality. Think vegetarian options and combined menus to boost the average basket.
To avoid unpleasant surprises and stay on course for profitability , rely on well-honed inventory management. Centralize your purchases, automate orders and monitor your material ratios on a daily basis. Many Tex Mex franchises offer central purchasing and digital tools to simplify inventory management.
Fast food rhymes with efficiency , and the layout of your premises can also have an influence on this. The optimization of your production space, the ease of circulation, the friendly atmosphere your restaurant exudes - nothing should be left to chance. Mexican decor, illuminated signs, soundscape - don't skimp on the customer experience from the moment you enter.
👉 To find out more : How to design and fit out your restaurant?Â
Your team is your number one loyalty driver. It's important to rely on multi-skilled staff, trained in fast food preparation, reception and the use of digital tools. Heading for a franchise? Initial and ongoing training programs are often offered by this type of network.
Build awareness even before you open: social networks, food influencers, launch offers, flyers, etc. Then maintain the link with your customers: loyalty programs, special offers, themed events. Think about local marketing and Google Maps referencing, too, by filling in your Google Business listing correctly, adding photos of dishes and responding to customer reviews).
Today, digitizing your restaurant is no longer an option - it's a prerequisite for success. Technology not only saves you time on a day-to-day basis, it also enhances the customer experience, increases the average basket and boosts your profitability. Here are the must-have digital solutions for a connected, high-performance Tex Mex:
Installed indoors or in display windows, the order terminals allow customers to order quickly and independently. The result? Less waiting, more fluidity, faster service, and often a 15-20% higher average basket thanks to automatic suggestions.
The kiosks are perfect for Tex Mex formulas: toppings, extras, combo menus. Customers compose their dishes Ă la carte, with no pressure.
Offer online online orderingmeans capturing a clientele that's in a hurry, on the move and loyal. With a well-designed site, you can centralize orders, offer a loyalty program, send personalized promotions and more. And, unlike third-party platforms, you'll have full control over your customer data.
Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Just Eat... these platforms have become must-haves. Tex Mex, with its easy-to-carry dishes, is perfectly suited to delivery. By integrating these channels with your cash register or management software, you gain in efficiency and avoid data entry errors. Another detail not to be overlooked: your packaging. They must be practical, eco-friendly and identifiable, because the customer experience begins as soon as the bag is opened.
A good cash register system allows you to :
And if you open several restaurants or opt for franchising, you can manage all your outlets from a single interface.
👉 To find out more : Surpass your competitors in 2025: digitalization as your secret weapon
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Digitizing isn't just about "doing modern": it's about selling more, better and faster, while delivering a seamless, consistent customer experience. Want to find out more? Come and discuss it with one of our Innovorder experts.Â
Opening a Tex Mex restaurant in 2025 is more than just a trend... it's a real business opportunity, provided you structure your project methodically. By following these 10 key steps, from market research to digitalization, you'll lay the foundations for a profitable, competitive concept that's built to last. Whether you're tempted by independence or seduced by the strength of a franchise network, Tex Mex has plenty to tempt you!
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Are you opening or taking over a restaurant? Contact an Innovorder expert to get personalized advice for your restaurant!
