Expedia Cruises

This franchise entered the fast casual dining sector in August 1990, when Jim and Linda Magglos founded it in Newbury Park, California. The concept focused on high quality ingredients in a limited service format, with fresh proteins and a self serve salsa bar featuring authentic recipes. Its Live Fresh philosophy has supported a menu of fresh, customizable meals for health conscious customers. The brand has continued through ownership changes and shifting market conditions. Its headquarters moved from Thousand Oaks to Cypress, California in 2009, then to Scottsdale, Arizona in 2016, where it has remained. More than three decades of operations and changes in ownership, including acquisitions and divestitures, have shaped the business and its position in the food service industry. These facts may be relevant to a prospective Expedia Cruises franchise investor evaluating the model.

Fast casual Mexican dining benefits from consumer demand for meals viewed as healthier, fresher, and more customizable than traditional fast food. Customers increasingly seek nutritious food without giving up flavor or convenience. Fresh prepared, made to order meals also accommodate individual tastes and dietary preferences. Demographic changes and demand for dining between fast food and full service restaurants support this segment. Separate research referenced the Gasoline Stations with Convenience Stores industry, which has an approximate global total addressable market of $656 billion and an estimated compound annual growth rate of 3.2%. In the United States, that segment was valued at $522.3 billion in 2025 and had a 0.6% compound annual growth rate from 2021 to 2026. The global gasoline stations market grew from $2.7 trillion in 2025 to $2.8 trillion in 2026 and is projected to reach $3.35 trillion by 2030 at a 4.6% compound annual growth rate. Increased vehicle use, convenience shopping, and technology are cited as drivers. This information concerns a different industry but indicates activity in consumer facing businesses.

The initial franchise fee is generally $30,000, although some sources report $50,000. Veterans may receive a 20% reduction in that fee. Reported total initial investment ranges include $322,310 to $974,290, $428,560 to $1,012,290, $225,000 to $1,012,000, $310,310 to $1,071,190, and $320,560 to $1,112,640. A Traditional Baja Fresh® Restaurant is reported at $428,560 to $1,012,290, while a Single Baja Fresh® Non Traditional Restaurant, such as one in an airport or university, is reported at $224,950 to $777,200. Costs may include equipment, leasehold improvements and buildout, signs, opening inventory, and working capital. Ongoing charges include a 5% royalty on gross sales, generally collected weekly, with general ongoing fees reported at 4% to 8% of gross sales. A 4% brand fund contribution supports advertising and marketing. Applicants must show at least $250,000 in liquid capital, although some sources cite $400,000 to $500,000, and a net worth of $500,000. Third party financing options are available to qualified candidates. PeerSense can introduce franchise buyers to SBA and conventional lenders, but PeerSense is not a lender.

Training totals 280 hours, including 40 hours of classroom instruction and 240 hours of hands on training in a restaurant setting. The program covers brand standards, operating procedures, customer service, food preparation, and daily management. Franchisees receive continuing assistance with marketing, purchasing, and staffing, along with ongoing training on industry practices and brand updates. Kahala Brands, the parent company operating under MTY Food Group, provides additional support and resources. The franchise does not provide territory protection. The franchisor may open corporate locations or award additional franchises within an existing franchisee’s area, which may affect competition and market saturation. This policy should be reviewed when assessing an Expedia Cruises franchise opportunity.

It also provides a Loan Activity Score of 25, an independent measure that generally reflects franchisee satisfaction and other qualitative elements of franchise system health.