Franchise Opportunity

Bring Cafe Rio to Your City

Join a thriving restaurant brand built on fresh flavors, bold recipes, and genuine hospitality. Partner with us and own a proven business model.

15+ Years of Experience
40+ Franchise Locations
98% Franchisee Satisfaction
12 States Represented

Built for Partner Success

We give our franchise partners every tool they need to thrive — from training and marketing to supply chain and technology support.

Comprehensive Training

Receive hands-on training at our Berkeley HQ covering operations, food preparation, staff management, and customer service excellence — before you open your doors.

Marketing Support

Access professionally designed marketing materials, social media templates, and national advertising campaigns to drive traffic from day one.

Streamlined Supply Chain

Benefit from our established supplier relationships and bulk purchasing power, ensuring consistent ingredient quality and cost efficiency nationwide.

Technology Platform

Use our proprietary POS system, online ordering platform, and real-time analytics dashboard to manage your location efficiently and profitably.

Franchise Community

Join a supportive network of franchise owners who share best practices, collaborate on initiatives, and grow together through our annual Franchise Summit.

Proven Brand Identity

Leverage a recognized brand with loyal customers, award-winning recipes, and a reputation for quality that takes years to build independently.

Cafe Rio kitchen operations

What Makes Cafe Rio Different

We're not just selling a franchise — we're inviting you into a family-driven food culture that puts quality, community, and partner growth first.

  • Exclusive Territory Rights

    Each franchisee receives a protected geographic territory with no competing Cafe Rio locations.

  • Ongoing Field Support

    Dedicated franchise business coaches visit your location regularly for performance reviews and hands-on guidance.

  • Menu Innovation Pipeline

    Our culinary team continuously develops new seasonal items to keep your menu fresh and customers coming back.

  • Flexible Location Models

    Available in full restaurant, fast-casual, and express kiosk formats to suit different markets and investment levels.

Transparent Investment Requirements

We believe in full transparency. Below are the estimated investment ranges for our three main franchise formats.

Express Kiosk

$85K – $130K

Franchise fee: $18,000
Ideal for malls, airports, and transit hubs
200–400 sq ft footprint
Streamlined menu format
6% royalty on gross sales
Lower staffing requirements

Full Restaurant

$450K – $750K

Franchise fee: $45,000
Dine-in, takeout, and catering capable
2,000–3,500 sq ft footprint
Complete menu plus seasonal specials
5% royalty on gross sales
Priority site selection assistance

* All figures are estimates. Actual costs may vary based on location, market conditions, and build-out requirements. Speak to a franchise advisor for a detailed disclosure document.

Your Path to Opening Day

From your first inquiry to cutting the ribbon, we guide you every step of the way with dedicated support and clear milestones.

1

Submit Your Inquiry

Complete the franchise inquiry form below with your background, preferred location, and investment budget. Our team reviews all applications within 5 business days.

2

Discovery Call

A Cafe Rio franchise advisor will schedule a video call to discuss your goals, answer your questions, and determine if there's a mutual fit for moving forward.

3

Receive Franchise Disclosure Document

We provide a complete Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for your review. We encourage you to consult with a franchise attorney during this phase.

4

Visit Our Berkeley HQ

Attend a Discovery Day at our flagship location in Berkeley, CA. Tour the kitchen, meet the team, taste the food, and experience the Cafe Rio culture firsthand.

5

Sign Franchise Agreement

Once both parties are aligned, you'll sign the franchise agreement and pay the initial franchise fee to officially join the Cafe Rio family.

6

Training & Site Preparation

Complete your 4-week comprehensive training program while our real estate and construction teams help you secure and build out your location.

7

Grand Opening!

Launch your Cafe Rio with a full grand opening marketing campaign, on-site support from our field team, and a dedicated opening week crew to ensure a smooth start.

Ready to Get Started?

Fill out the form and a member of our franchise development team will reach out within 2 business days.

Franchise Development Team

2066 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
Mon – Fri: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM PT

What Happens Next?

Application reviewed within 5 business days
Discovery call scheduled at your convenience
FDD provided with no obligation

Franchise Inquiry Form

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Experience Cafe Rio First

Visit us in Berkeley or order online and taste the food you'll be proud to bring to your community.