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Get into
The Fold
Serving award winning Tacos since 1954!
The Opportunity
Lightning in a Taco
Jim “Jimboy” Knudson introduced California to the Original American Taco in 1954 with his recipe for a signature fragrantly spiced ground beef taco, encased inside a grilled stone-ground corn tortilla with crisp lettuce and shredded American cheese, and dusted with a liberal coating of grated Parmesan cheese. This simple taco was akin to lightning in a bottle, with the perfect balance of umami flavor and chewy, crispy, gooey texture. A cult-like following built over the years, and while many have tried to duplicate it, this taco can’t be found anywhere else except Jimboy’s.
From Trailer to Trend
Knudson started his concept out of a food trailer on the shores of Lake Tahoe, California, becoming one of the first “food trucks” ever in existence. Knudson passionately believed in this restaurant model, and while guests currently enjoy the freshly prepared Jimboy’s menu items in comfortable restaurants throughout California and Nevada, the unique trailer vibe remains in the food, in the experience, and in the culture.
Local Roots & loyalty
Becoming one of the first to begin the restaurant franchise business model, Knudson began franchising Jimboy’s Tacos in 1969 with intention. He brought on franchise owners who believed in what he created, and who phenomenally captured the essence of the Jimboy’s tradition. He believed in finding franchise owners with local roots, and who didn’t cut corners. Today, these franchise owners are the reason Jimboy’s flourishes as a business.
timeless taco, modern tech
While the recipe for the original ground beef taco has never changed, Jimboy’s Tacos focus remains squarely on growth. Consumers expect technology that makes a restaurant experience faster and more efficient, and Jimboy’s has implemented best-in-class technology in all aspects of operations and marketing. Jimboy’s has also recently undergone a complete restaurant reimage, making our brand more relevant while maintaining our core identity. Jimboy's Tacos is uniquely poised for a growth opportunity.
Brian "Ketchup" Heinz
a year ago
A GREAT place to grab a bite! I probably eat here for lunch every day and I just keep coming back! Their tacos are so good! Between them and their monster Tahoe burrito, where else would you ned to go for food? Having just undergone a renovation, the inside is brand new and nice with plenty of seating room. And if you don't wan tto get out of your car, there's always the drive thru. The staff is very polite and always leaves me happy I came!
Matthew Smith
This location's tacos were a taste of my childhood. My wife and I are visiting the Sacramento area from out of state, and we're wanting a taste of when we grew up in the Sacramento area. Jimboy's has kept their tacos the same as I remember from the 1980s and early 1990s. They had a winner back them with the tacos and still do. Thanks, Jimboy's for keeping these delicious tacos, they are not the traditional Mexican tacos with onions and cilantro, which I love but I also love Jimboy's tacos. The French fries I hadn't had until this visit, wow they are really good. I highly recommend if it is your first visit to try the tacos and the French fries, they are well worth the cost.
Alex Gray
This location is awesome. The food has always been top notch and a good amount for the money. I prefer going here than a fancy sit down restaurant.
Nana B
a year ago
Those tacos are as good as I was told by Joey.
Wally Calinescu
Good food, fast service. People are nice and polite.
Keith Westfall
First time @ a Jimboys and food was really good, tasted fresh, and manager and employees very polite and helpful.
Shannon Eckard
The employee who took my phone order was very polite and helpful(didn't get his name) When I arrived to get my order, he knew my name & continued his great customer service! I made sure to compliment him on his customer service, his thank you at the end is what it's all about.
Alfred
This is always a good place to eat. These are my favorite ground beef tacos. I usually get one of those and a ben burrito with a soda. It's a great meal at a reasonable price. The workers are always friendly and the food is always fresh. You just can't go wrong here.
J.L. Melton
I love their steak tahoe burrito, with the juicy, succulent, grilled steak aroma and grilled flavor on your tongue with the blends of rice and other authentic ingredients that mix together to create the perfect flavor everyone looks for in a burrito!!
Marcy Thornton
This place is always great. I prefer this location over the Bruceville one. This location has the grill seasoned just right!! ❤️
Glenn Hermanson
I love Jimboy's tacos as a treat every once in awhile. The store is clean. Service is straight forward just the way I like it.
Jason Fair (Nomadic Nerd Project)
These tacos are the new crack food. They are insanely addicting and delicious. I wish I lived near them. I ate like 8 of them and didn't feel guilty.
Mandy Harris
Jimboys has always been a favorite for us. Over the years, there have been several items on their menu that we have enjoyed but their tacos are my favorite. The parmesan on the sheel has een an inspiration to my families kitchen. They truly are a Sacramento favorite. The service is always nice and they did a great job designing the store with modern decor.
Cat Lover
We used the drive-thru. The food was excellent. I've never sen a restaurant put parmesan on the taco shells. I do this at home. This made the tacos taste even better. The proprtions of the food was just right. I loved the small salad, the pico de Gallo was fresh.
S K
Ladies working at this location today are stella! My kiddo said this was the best taco he had ever had, and they were so kind to help us out as we were unfamiliar with the style of tacos. We absolutely loved it!
Facility was clean, music not too loud, had a terrific lunch today!
Ethan Butrick Hart
Pretty solid Jimbosy, good location, my food was ready in 4 minutes or less. 0 complaints Thank you for being a great establishment 💯😁
This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for informational purposes only.
Who we are
There is nothing more important to us than the preservation and continuation of Jimboy’s culture. Our company has been established by living the “Core Values” our founders Jim “Jimboy” and Margaret Knudson instilled in the company on the first day. Executive leadership and support team, franchisees, vendors, and stakeholders are all measured by these core values:
Do What's
Right
THERE IS
ALWAYS A WAY
Make a difference by
Helping others
Keep it
Simple
Like Grandfather, Like Grandson
Thank you for your interest in Jimboy’s Tacos. One valuable lesson I learned from my grandfather is that our business exists to serve our customers—the guests who dine with us and the franchisees who help us grow. They are the heart and soul of what makes Jimboy’s Tacos so special. With over 70 years of restaurant experience, we’re proud to offer our people a unique advantage: a consistent dining experience, a winning menu, and the support of a family-driven business. Our success is built on the dedication of our people, and I’d love for you to meet some of them below.
Erik Freeman
CEO and Grandson of Founder
The Franchise Team
Karen Knudson - Freeman
Chairman of the Board
Greater Sacramento
Erik Freeman
CEO/CFO
US
James Freeman
The Growth Guru
US
Dina Guillen
Market Expansion Catalyst
Greater Sacramento
Todd Swiderski
Operational Flow Master
US
Jenny Davis
The Organizational Alchemist
CA
From the Franchisees
Jimboy's Tacos has a quality leadership team, I'm thrilled to see where they are taking the brand in the future, especially with the new technology they are employing. I have been a Jimboy's franchisee owneer for over 20 years. I have over 10 Jimboy's Tacos restaurants, and I continue to add more because bottom line, this is profitable
Gary Perez
WITH JIMBOY’S SINCE 1980 MULTI UNIT OWNER
When you own your own business, you wear many hats. Being a franchise owner with the Jimboy’s Tacos concept means you’re not doing it alone. You’re getting support in real estate, construction, financing, marketing, operations, training. It’s invaluable to have training come out and spend time with us to train all our team members, whether it’s prior to the opening of a new restaurant or when we’re rolling out a new marketing initiative. They train to make sure that everything brands well. Jimboy’s has a good structure in place.
Roy Perez
WITH JIMBOY’S SINCE 1987 MULTI UNIT OWNER
Why do I own several Jimboy’s Tacos restaurants? First and foremost, it’s the food. Jimboy’s has the best tacos period – and nothing even comes close. A high percentage of our customers return frequently, and very simply, it is because they crave our food. That gives us a competitive edge over other concepts. Just as importantly, I trust the executive team at Jimboy’s Tacos. They have a passion for the concept, they make things happen and they have a formula for success.
Peter Francis
WITH JIMBOY’S SINCE 1985 MULTI UNIT OWNER
Brian "Ketchup" Heinz
a year ago
A GREAT place to grab a bite! I probably eat here for lunch every day and I just keep coming back! Their tacos are so good! Between them and their monster Tahoe burrito, where else would you need to go for food? Having just undergone a renovation, the inside is brand new and nice with plenty of seating room. And if you don't want to get out of your car, there's always the drive thru. The staff is very polite and always leaves me happy I came!
Matthew Smith
This location's tacos were a taste of my childhood. My wife and I are visiting the Sacramento area from out of state, and we're wanting a taste of when we grew up in the Sacramento area. Jimboy's has kept their tacos the same as I remember from the 1980s and early 1990s. They had a winner back then with the tacos and still do. Thanks, Jimboy's for keeping these delicious tacos, they are not the traditional Mexican tacos with onions and cilantro, which I love but I also love Jimboy's tacos. The French fries I hadn't had until this visit, wow they are really good. I highly recommend if it is your first visit to try the tacos and the French fries, they are well worth the cost.
Alex Gray
This location is awesome. The food has always been top notch and a good amount for the money. I prefer going here than a fancy sit down restaurant.
Nana B
a year ago
Those tacos are as good as I was told by Joey.
Wally Calinescu
Good food, fast service. People are nice and polite.
Keith Westfall
First time @ a Jimboys and food was really good, tasted fresh, and manager and employees very polite and helpful.
Shannon Eckard
The employee who took my phone order was very polite and helpful(didn't get his name) When I arrived to get my order, he knew my name & continued his great customer service! I made sure to compliment him on his customer service, his thank you at the end is what it's all about.
Alfred
This is always a good place to eat. These are my favorite ground beef tacos. I usually get one of those and a bean burrito with a soda. It's a great meal at a reasonable price. The workers are always friendly and the food is always fresh. You just can't go wrong here.
J.L. Melton
I love their steak tahoe burrito, with the juicy, succulent, grilled steak aroma and grilled flavor on your tongue with the blends of rice and other authentic ingredients that mix together to create the perfect flavor everyone looks for in a burrito!!
Marcy Thornton
This place is always great. I prefer this location over the Bruceville one. This location has the grill seasoned just right!! ❤️
Glenn Hermanson
I love Jimboy's tacos as a treat every once in a while. The store is clean. Service is straight forward just the way I like it.
Jason Fair (Nomadic Nerd Project)
These tacos are the new crack food. They are insanely addicting and delicious. I wish I lived near them. I ate like 8 of them and didn't feel guilty.
Mandy Harris
Jimboys has always been a favorite for us. Over the years, there have been several items on their menu that we have enjoyed but their tacos are my favorite. The parmesan on the shell has been an inspiration to my family's kitchen. They truly are a Sacramento favorite. The service is always nice and they did a great job designing the store with modern decor.
Cat Lover
We used the drive-thru. The food was excellent. I've never seen a restaurant put parmesan on the taco shells. I do this at home. This made the tacos taste even better. The proportions of the food was just right. I loved the small salad, the pico de Gallo was fresh.
S K
Ladies working at this location today are stella! My kiddo said this was the best taco he had ever had, and they were so kind to help us out as we were unfamiliar with the style of tacos. We absolutely loved it!
Facility was clean, music not too loud, had a terrific lunch today!
Ethan Butrick Hart
Pretty solid Jimboy's, good location, my food was ready in 4 minutes or less. 0 complaints Thank you for being a great establishment 💯😁
This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for informational purposes only.
INVESTMENT
The investment required for an individual franchise can vary significantly. Your initial costs depend on various factors such as the condition of the premises, any construction work provided by the landlord, location, new DMA, and your existing capabilities. More detailed investment information can be found in our Franchise Disclosure Document. The estimated initial investment for launching a Jimboy's Tacos franchise is outlined as follows:
General Qualifications
- Food service experience
- Committed to guest experience
- Minimum liquidity of $200,000
- Proven leadership experience
- Knowledge of market in consideration
- Minimum net worth of $500,000
Estimated Initial Investment
| Low Amount | High Amount | Method of Payment | When Due | To Whom Payment is Made | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise | $35,000 | $35,000 | Lump Sum | In Full on signing the Franchise Agreement | Franchisor |
| Leasehold Improvements | $95,000 | $975,000 | Varies | Prior to Opening | Approved Suppliers |
| Fixtures, Furniture, Equipment & Supplies | $45,000 | $295,000 | Varies | Prior to Opening | Approved Suppliers |
| Signs | $12,500 | $85,000 | Varies | Prior to Opening | Approved Suppliers |
| POS & Digital Menu | $2,500 | $15,000 | Varies | Prior to Opening | Approved Suppliers |
| Smallwares | $2,500 | $12,000 | Varies | Prior to Opening | Approved Suppliers |
| Initial Inventory | $4,500 | $12,500 | Varies | Prior to Opening | Approved Suppliers |
| Office Equipment and Supplies | $500 | $2,000 | Varies | Prior to Opening | Approved Suppliers |
| 1st Year Marketing | $24,000 | $125,000 | Varies | As Incurred | Approved Advertisers |
| Insurance | $11,000 | $25,000 | First Year Premium | Prior to Opening | Insurance Companies |
| Lease Deposits | $4,000 | $35,000 | Lump Sum | Signing of the Lease | Landlord |
| Training | $2,000 | $79,500 | Varies | As Incurred | hotels, Transportation, Restaurant, Salaries |
| Professional Fees | $4,500 | $40,000 | Varies | As Incurred | Accountants, Lawyers, etc. |
| Licenses & Bonds | $500 | $18,000 | Lump Sum on Application | Prior to Opening | Government agencies and bonding companies |
| Additional Funds for Working Capital | $15,000 | $100,000 | Varies | As Incurred | Varies |
| TOTAL | $258,500 | $1,854,000 | Excluding Real Estate Costs | ||
This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for informational purposes only.
Path to franchising
STEP 1
Review site materials and apply online.
STEP 2
Introductory call and phone interview. Both parties (franchisor and candidate) conduct due diligence to determine if this is the right fit. Review Franchise Disclosure Document, and identify area of interest.
STEP 3
Meet with executive team members. Execute franchise agreements.
STEP 4
Identify location and secure lease/real estate. Initiate end-to-end store opening process.
STEP 5
Pre-opening training, store opening, in-store post-opening training, grand opening campaign launch.
Purchasing
We will work hard, have fun and take a dollar spent serious. You will enjoy established purchasing contracts and rebate programs from many of our vendors. We continuously work at obtaining better pricing and service.
Technology
Our founder Jimboy was a shake hands and kiss babies kind of guy, but some things are just better, faster, cheaper utilizing technology. Our franchisees employ industry leading loyalty programs, mobile applications, POS and business enterprise systems and PCI compliance tool that rival any leading restaurant brand.
This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for informational purposes only.
GET STARTED
Fill out the form below, call us at (916) 934-5100, or email us at franchises@jimboystacos.com
