Jimboy’s Tacos

Jimboy’s Tacos Re-Launches Franchise Program: Home of the “Original American Taco” sets sights on growth.

Jimboy’s Tacos, home of the “Original American Taco,” is primed for growth with the re-launch of its franchise program. The company, which has been in business nearly 65 years, has renewed its commitment to steady, sustainable expansion, and is actively seeking passionate candidates looking to partner with an established brand on the rise. 

Famous for its signature Original Ground Beef Tacos, which are made-to-order with seasoned ground beef, hand-grated American cheese, and crisp lettuce stuffed in a grilled stone-ground corn tortilla dusted with Parmesan cheese, Jimboy’s was founded in 1954 when founder Jim “Jimboy” Knudson began serving tacos from a trailer in Kings Beach, Tahoe, California. Knudson was a pioneer in many respects. Believe it or not, he spelled out “taco” phonetically on the trailer because it was a relatively new concept at the time. Before most restaurants had considered franchising, Knudson sold his first franchise in Sacramento in 1969. 

Today, the family-owned company operates 40 locations throughout California and Nevada, and is expected to double in systemwide sales by the end of 2019. Development opportunities are available to qualified candidates along the West Coast, as well as the Sun Belt states, which have been identified as prime markets for the Jimboy’s concept. 

Jimboy’s recently introduced a new logo, website, mobile app, and restaurant design to modernize the brand’s image while maintaining a focus on what guests have always loved most about Jimboy’s: the delicious tacos. Featuring a contemporary twist on 1950s car culture, the new restaurant prototype incorporates vintage design elements, natural wood, digital menuboards, historical prints, and stainless-steel attributes that mimic the food trailer from which the first tacos were served. As proven by a 15 percent uptick in systemwide sales, it’s clear these changes are resonating with consumers. 

“Though we’ve been in business for more than six decades, this is just the beginning for Jimboy’s,” says CEO Robert Andersen. “We’ve reimagined our brand, strengthened our identity and are now ready to grow our concept with the help of new partners and our incredible group of existing franchisees, many of whom have been with the brand for more than 20 years.”

Ideal candidates exhibit an intense passion for the Jimboy’s concept, a strong work ethic, and solid leadership skills. Restaurant experience is preferred, but not required. The initial franchise fee is only $35,000 for a 10-year agreement with two 5-year renewal options. All franchisees provide monthly 5 percent royalty and 3 percent brand fund contributions. Jimboy’s primary opportunities will be offered through an area development agreement with commitments to open 3–10 restaurants.  

Jimboy’s franchisees enjoy the advantages of an iconic signature menu item and unique menu that’s easy to execute operationally and spans multiple dayparts, including breakfast, lunch, afternoon, dinner, and late night, providing guests with more occasions to visit Jimboy’s. Once a franchisee is onboarded, support is provided with site selection and new restaurant development assistance, menu development, marketing programs, and advanced restaurant technology. The brand also offers robust training programs for operators, managers, and new store openings, in addition to ongoing training for regional product rollouts, catering and technology. 

“Something special happens when you bite into one of our tacos for the first time,” Andersen says. “We call it the ‘Jimboy’s Moment,’ and we can’t wait to bring this one-of-a-kind experience to new guests across the country.”