Opening a Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe franchise is a compelling business opportunity in one of the fastest-growing segments of casual dining. With fresh Mediterranean flavors, a loyal customer base, and a brand built on quality and community, Taziki's has become a standout franchise for investors seeking a differentiated restaurant concept. Whether you are exploring your first franchise or expanding an existing portfolio, understanding how to finance a Taziki's location is the critical first step to turning your vision into a profitable business.
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Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe was founded in 1998 in Birmingham, Alabama, by Keith and Amy Richards. Inspired by a trip to Greece, the couple brought the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean to the American South. The concept resonated immediately, combining wholesome ingredients, a warm family atmosphere, and flavors that set it apart from the typical fast-casual chain. Today, Taziki's operates more than 90 locations across the United States, primarily in the Southeast and Midwest.
The brand is built around a simple promise: fresh, flavorful Mediterranean food made without shortcuts. The menu features signature dishes like grilled chicken gyros, fresh-made hummus, spanakopita, and a variety of salads, wraps, and kabobs. Taziki's has earned a reputation for community-focused giving through its Taziki's Cares program and has cultivated a highly loyal guest base that returns regularly.
For franchise investors, the Taziki's model offers several advantages. The brand occupies a differentiated position in the fast-casual Mediterranean segment, which has grown significantly in recent years as consumers shift toward Mediterranean-style diets. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, fast-casual dining continues to outpace traditional full-service restaurants in both revenue growth and new unit openings. Taziki's sits squarely in this growth corridor.
Franchisees benefit from a proven operating system, comprehensive training, and a support network that includes marketing, operations, and supply chain assistance. The brand looks for operators who are passionate about food, community engagement, and delivering a consistent guest experience.
Before exploring financing options, prospective franchisees need a clear picture of what it costs to open a Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe. The investment breakdown below reflects typical ranges based on the brand's Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and publicly available information.
The initial franchise fee for a Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe unit is typically around $40,000. This fee grants the franchisee the right to operate under the Taziki's brand and system within a defined territory.
The total initial investment to open a Taziki's franchise typically ranges from approximately $400,000 to $750,000, depending on the size and location of the unit. This range includes:
Franchisees pay ongoing royalties to support continued use of the Taziki's brand, systems, and support infrastructure. Typical ongoing fees include:
Taziki's typically requires prospective franchisees to demonstrate:
These financial benchmarks help ensure that franchisees have the capital base to sustain operations through the ramp-up period while managing ongoing obligations.
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Apply Now →Very few franchise owners pay the full cost of opening a location out of pocket. Strategic financing allows you to preserve liquidity, leverage other people's capital, and build a sustainable business from day one. Here are the primary financing options available to Taziki's franchise candidates.
The Small Business Administration's 7(a) loan program is the most popular financing vehicle for franchise investments. SBA 7(a) loans offer loan amounts up to $5 million, repayment terms up to 10 years for working capital and up to 25 years for real estate, and interest rates that are typically lower than conventional business loans. For Taziki's franchisees, an SBA 7(a) loan can cover the franchise fee, build-out costs, equipment, and working capital in a single financing package. According to the SBA, more than $25 billion is lent to small businesses annually through the 7(a) program.
The SBA 504 loan program is designed for long-term, fixed-asset financing. If you plan to purchase the real estate for your Taziki's location or make significant property improvements, an SBA 504 loan can be an excellent tool. The 504 structure typically involves a bank lending 50%, a Certified Development Company lending 40% (backed by the SBA), and the borrower contributing 10% as a down payment. This structure allows for favorable, long-term fixed rates on large capital expenditures.
Conventional business term loans from banks, credit unions, or online lenders can also be used for franchise financing. These loans are not government-backed, which means approval criteria can be stricter, but the application and funding process is often faster. For borrowers with strong credit and established business history, conventional term loans can be competitive in terms of interest rates and repayment flexibility.
A significant portion of the Taziki's startup cost is kitchen equipment. Equipment financing allows you to borrow specifically against the value of the equipment itself, making approval easier and often providing better terms than general business loans. The equipment serves as collateral, which reduces lender risk and typically results in lower interest rates. Crestmont Capital offers competitive equipment financing options for franchise operators.
A business line of credit is a revolving credit facility that gives franchise owners flexible access to capital during the pre-opening and early operational phases. Unlike term loans, a line of credit only charges interest on the funds actually drawn. This makes it ideal for covering fluctuating expenses such as pre-opening marketing, hiring and training, and short-term cash flow gaps. Learn more about business lines of credit from Crestmont Capital.
Some franchisors, including those in the fast-casual restaurant sector, offer in-house financing programs or preferred lender relationships. It is worth asking Taziki's directly about any preferred lending partners or financing assistance programs available to approved candidates.
$40,000
Initial Franchise Fee
$400K-$750K
Total Estimated Investment
5%
Ongoing Royalty
90+
U.S. Locations
$150K+
Liquid Capital Required
1998
Year Founded
The SBA loan programs remain the gold standard for franchise financing because they are specifically designed to support small business ownership. Here is a closer look at how both primary SBA programs apply to Taziki's franchise investments.
The SBA maintains a Franchise Registry that lists brands whose FDDs have been reviewed and approved for streamlined SBA processing. This significantly reduces the lender's due diligence time and can accelerate your funding timeline. Even for brands not on the registry, SBA lenders are well-versed in franchise financing and can guide you through the process.
SBA 7(a) loans are particularly well-suited to Taziki's because they can fund the full range of startup costs in one loan package. The lower down payment requirements of SBA loans (typically 10% to 20%) also allow franchisees to preserve more of their liquid capital for operations, particularly important during the first 6 to 12 months when revenue is still ramping up.
According to CNBC reporting on small business lending trends, franchise businesses consistently demonstrate higher SBA loan approval rates compared to independent startups, largely because the proven franchise model reduces the perceived risk for lenders.
Not every franchisee will qualify for an SBA loan immediately, and some may prefer the speed of alternative financing options. The landscape of alternative lending has expanded significantly in recent years, with Forbes reporting a surge in online lenders offering specialized products for franchise operators. These include:
Crestmont Capital offers a full suite of financing options, from SBA loans to short-term business loans, allowing you to match the right product to your specific situation and timeline.
Crestmont Capital is the #1 business lender in the United States, with a proven track record of funding franchise operators across every major sector. Our team understands the unique capital needs of franchise businesses and works directly with franchise candidates to identify the most suitable financing solutions for their goals.
When you work with Crestmont Capital, you gain access to a diverse lending network with multiple product options:
Our lending team has deep expertise in restaurant franchise financing. We begin with a thorough review of your financial profile, your franchise agreement, and your business plan to identify the financing structure most likely to get you funded. We work with lenders across our network to match your needs with the best available products, and we guide you through the application process from start to finish.
Many of our franchise clients are funded within 48 to 72 hours for working capital needs, and SBA loan processing is accelerated through our established relationships with approved lenders. The Bloomberg analysis on franchise lending noted that "operators working with experienced franchise lenders consistently close deals faster and at better terms than those approaching lenders without specialized experience" - and that is precisely the advantage Crestmont Capital delivers.
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Apply Now →Qualifying for franchise financing depends on a combination of personal financial strength, business history, and the quality of your franchise investment. Here is what lenders typically evaluate when reviewing a Taziki's franchise financing application.
For SBA loans, lenders generally look for a minimum personal credit score of 650 to 680, though scores of 700 or higher significantly improve your approval odds and the terms you receive. For alternative financing options, Crestmont Capital works with lenders who can approve franchise loans with credit scores as low as 550, though lower scores typically come with higher interest rates and shorter terms.
For first-time franchise owners, lenders evaluate your professional background, industry experience, and financial strength in lieu of business operating history. Demonstrating prior management or food service experience can strengthen your application. For franchisees who already operate other locations, existing operational track records can accelerate approval and improve terms.
Lenders want to see that you have sufficient personal financial resources to support the investment. This includes:
A strong business plan that includes realistic revenue projections, operating cost assumptions, and a clear path to profitability is essential for SBA loans and many conventional loan products. Your Taziki's franchise disclosure document provides much of the data needed to build credible projections, and Crestmont Capital can help you structure this information in a way that resonates with lenders.
SBA loans and conventional loans often require collateral to secure the financing. For franchise investments, collateral can include the business assets (equipment, leasehold improvements), personal real estate, and personal assets. The SBA has specific collateral guidelines that lenders must follow, though many SBA loans can be approved even with limited collateral if other financial factors are strong.
To make the financing process more concrete, here are four realistic scenarios illustrating how different franchisee profiles approach Taziki's franchise financing.
Maria is a former restaurant general manager with 12 years of industry experience. She has $200,000 in liquid savings, a personal credit score of 720, and owns her home with $150,000 in equity. She wants to open her first Taziki's in a suburban market with a total project cost of $550,000.
Financing solution: Maria applies for a $440,000 SBA 7(a) loan with a $110,000 personal contribution (20% down). Her industry experience, strong credit, and substantial assets result in approval at competitive rates. Total monthly payment approximately $4,500 over 10 years.
David already operates one Taziki's location successfully and wants to open a second unit in an adjacent market. His existing business has two years of profitable operating history and strong revenue. His credit score is 680 and he has $100,000 in liquid capital.
Financing solution: David uses a combination of an SBA 7(a) loan for the capital-intensive build-out and a business line of credit from Crestmont Capital to cover pre-opening expenses and working capital. His existing business track record accelerates approval.
James has a credit score of 590 due to a period of financial difficulty several years ago, but he has rebuilt his finances and has $180,000 in liquid assets. He is interested in opening a Taziki's in a growing Southeast market.
Financing solution: James is not immediately eligible for an SBA loan but qualifies for an alternative business loan from Crestmont Capital's lending network. He uses a bad credit business loan to cover initial costs while working with our team to improve his credit profile over 12 to 18 months with the goal of refinancing into an SBA loan.
Rachel is a seasoned restaurant operator who has reached an agreement with Taziki's to develop three units over four years. With total project costs projected at $1.8 million across all locations, she needs a structured multi-unit financing plan.
Financing solution: Crestmont Capital works with Rachel to structure a combination of SBA 7(a) financing for the first unit, with pre-arranged expansion financing for subsequent units based on demonstrated performance. This approach allows Rachel to scale efficiently without depleting her capital reserves.
| Loan Type | Loan Amount | Term | Rate Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) Loan | Up to $5M | Up to 10 years | Prime + 2.25-4.75% | Full startup costs, working capital |
| SBA 504 Loan | Up to $5.5M | 10-25 years | Fixed, below market | Real estate, major equipment |
| Conventional Term Loan | $50K-$2M | 1-7 years | 7-15% | Established operators expanding |
| Equipment Financing | $10K-$500K | 2-7 years | 5-15% | Kitchen equipment purchases |
| Business Line of Credit | $10K-$250K | Revolving | 8-20% | Working capital, pre-opening |
| Alternative Business Loan | $5K-$500K | 3-36 months | 15-40% | Lower credit, fast funding |
The total initial investment for a Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe franchise typically ranges from $400,000 to $750,000, depending on the location, market, and build-out requirements. This includes the $40,000 franchise fee, construction and leasehold improvements, kitchen equipment, furniture, technology, initial inventory, and working capital reserves. Actual costs will vary based on your specific market and the size of the unit.
Yes. SBA 7(a) loans are one of the most common and effective financing tools for franchise investments including Taziki's. These loans can cover the franchise fee, build-out costs, equipment, and working capital. The SBA's backing reduces risk for lenders, which typically means better rates and terms than conventional loans. Working with a lender experienced in franchise financing, like Crestmont Capital, can significantly streamline the process.
For SBA loan financing, most lenders look for a minimum credit score of 650 to 680. Scores of 700 or higher typically result in better rates and faster approvals. For alternative financing options through Crestmont Capital, franchise loans can be approved with credit scores as low as 550, though rates and terms will reflect the additional risk. If your credit score is below the SBA threshold, our team can help you develop a plan to improve it while exploring bridge financing options.
Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe generally requires prospective franchisees to have at least $150,000 in liquid capital. This ensures you have the financial capacity to cover your down payment, pre-opening expenses, and early working capital needs. Having more liquid capital gives you a financial cushion during the ramp-up period and demonstrates financial strength to lenders, which can improve your financing terms.
Approval timelines vary depending on the loan type. Alternative business loans from Crestmont Capital can be approved and funded in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Conventional term loans typically take 1 to 2 weeks. SBA 7(a) loans generally require 30 to 90 days from application to funding, though working with an experienced SBA lender and having your documentation prepared can significantly compress this timeline. Crestmont Capital's franchise lending specialists help clients assemble complete applications that minimize back-and-forth with lenders.
Yes. Multi-unit development agreements with Taziki's allow approved franchisees to develop multiple locations over an agreed timeline. Financing for multi-unit development typically involves separate loans for each unit, with each loan underwritten on the merits of the individual project. Once your first location is established and profitable, leveraging that track record can significantly improve the terms available for subsequent units. Crestmont Capital has experience structuring multi-unit expansion financing plans for franchise developers.
Most franchise lenders require the following: personal and business tax returns (3 years), personal financial statements, bank statements (3-6 months), a copy of the franchise agreement or FDD, a business plan with financial projections, a resume or biography highlighting relevant experience, a construction or build-out cost estimate, and a description of the proposed location. Crestmont Capital provides franchisees with a customized document checklist to simplify the application process.
Taziki's franchisees pay ongoing royalties of approximately 5% of gross sales, plus marketing fund contributions of approximately 1.5% to 2% of gross sales. These ongoing fees are important to factor into your financial projections and loan repayment capacity analysis. When modeling your Taziki's financials, lenders will look closely at your debt service coverage ratio - your ability to cover loan payments after accounting for all operating costs including royalties.
Restaurant experience is not always required to obtain franchise financing, but it can be a significant advantage. Lenders and franchisors both view industry experience positively because it suggests a higher likelihood of operational success. For SBA loans, strong management experience in any business capacity can help offset a lack of direct restaurant experience. If you are new to the restaurant industry, partnering with an experienced operator or hiring a strong management team can also help strengthen your financing application.
Yes, through a strategy known as Rollover for Business Startups (ROBS), you can use 401(k) or IRA funds to invest in a franchise without incurring early withdrawal penalties or income taxes at the time of the transaction. ROBS involves a specific legal structure that must be set up correctly by a qualified professional. This approach can be particularly useful for franchisees who have substantial retirement savings but limited liquid capital. Crestmont Capital can refer you to experienced ROBS specialists who work with franchise investors.
The SBA 7(a) loan is a flexible, general-purpose financing tool that can fund virtually any business expense including franchise fees, build-out, equipment, and working capital. The SBA 504 loan is designed specifically for major fixed-asset purchases such as commercial real estate or large equipment. For most Taziki's franchise openings, the SBA 7(a) is the primary tool because it covers the broadest range of startup costs. However, if you plan to purchase your building rather than lease, combining a 504 for real estate with a 7(a) for other costs can optimize your financing structure.
Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe does not currently advertise an in-house financing program, but franchisors often have relationships with preferred lenders or SBA specialists who are familiar with their FDD. It is always worth asking your Taziki's franchise development representative whether they have preferred lending partners or any financing assistance for qualified candidates. Crestmont Capital is experienced in working alongside franchise development teams to provide streamlined financing for approved candidates.
Industry best practice suggests budgeting 3 to 6 months of operating expenses as working capital for a new restaurant franchise. For a Taziki's location with monthly operating costs of approximately $30,000 to $50,000, this translates to $90,000 to $300,000 in working capital reserves. Having adequate working capital is critical because most restaurant franchises take 6 to 18 months to reach full revenue potential. Lenders will assess your working capital plan carefully as part of their underwriting process.
Yes, many franchisees carry both a term loan (for the capital-intensive startup costs) and a business line of credit (for ongoing working capital flexibility). The line of credit acts as a financial safety net, allowing you to draw funds when needed and repay when cash flow improves. This combination provides both stability and flexibility. Crestmont Capital can help you structure a combined financing package that addresses all of your capital needs without over-leveraging your business.
A denial from one lender does not mean you are unable to secure financing. Different lenders have different risk tolerances, credit models, and approval criteria. If your initial application is denied, Crestmont Capital can review your application, identify the specific factors that led to the denial, and connect you with lenders whose criteria are better suited to your profile. We can also help you develop a plan to strengthen your financial position over 6 to 12 months so that you can reapply with a higher likelihood of approval and better terms.
Ready to Finance Your Taziki's Franchise?
Get fast, flexible franchise financing from the #1 business lender in the U.S. Apply in minutes.
Apply Now →Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe represents a compelling franchise opportunity in a growing and differentiated segment of fast-casual dining. The brand's commitment to fresh ingredients, community engagement, and a proven operating system gives franchisees a strong foundation for success. But turning that opportunity into reality requires smart capital planning and the right financing partner.
Whether you are a first-time franchisee exploring your options or a seasoned operator ready to expand your portfolio, the financing landscape for Taziki's includes a range of tools - from SBA loans to equipment financing to business lines of credit - that can be tailored to your specific situation. The key is working with an experienced lending partner who understands the franchise model and can navigate the capital markets on your behalf.
Crestmont Capital has helped thousands of franchise operators secure the funding they need to open, grow, and thrive. Our team is ready to help you take the next step toward your Taziki's franchise investment. Apply today and get a decision in as little as 24 hours.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Funding terms, qualifications, and product availability may vary and are subject to change without notice. Crestmont Capital does not guarantee approval, rates, or specific outcomes. For personalized information about your business funding options, contact our team directly.