Yes, TacoTime is a Canadian brand. Since 1978, TacoTime has been serving Canadians bold, craveable Tex-Mex made with real ingredients and a lot of care. What began in Western Canada has grown into a network of more than 125 locations across the country.

Here is how TacoTime got its start, who owns the brand today and why its Canadian history still matters to the franchisees and communities it serves.

TacoTime’s Roots in Western Canada

TacoTime has been making classics since 1978, building its reputation one hand-rolled burrito at a time. 

Over more than 45 years, the brand has become one of Western Canada’s most established quick-service restaurant names. It has grown alongside generations of fiercely loyal guests while staying focused on what brought people through the doors in the first place: familiar favourites, fresh preparation and food that delivers bold flavour – every time.

Today, TacoTime operates more than 125 locations across Canada, including mall food courts, drive-thrus and freestanding restaurants. You can learn more about its history and franchise model on the TacoTime brand page.

What Company Owns TacoTime?

TacoTime Canada operates as part of MTY Group, one of North America’s leading franchising teams, with a portfolio of more than 80 brands across fast casual, QSR, and casual dining categories.

Being part of MTY Group gives TacoTime access to established supply-chain connections, operational expertise and systems designed to support franchisees. This helps the brand source high-quality ingredients at competitive prices and deliver a consistent guest experience from one location to the next.

45+ Years of Canadian Comfort Food

There are easier ways to make a burrito. TacoTime just doesn’t think they’re better.

Burritos are rolled by hand. Hot sauces are made from scratch. Taco shells, chips and burrito bowls are prepared in-house. Menu items use recipes with bold flavours that are uniquely TacoTime’s own. That extra effort is part of what makes the food taste unmistakably like TacoTime. It’s a bold move to do things this way, but they believe that Bold Tastes Better.

And we have the numbers to prove it. TacoTime serves more than 2.5 million tacos and hand-rolls over 3.2 million burritos every year.

While food trends come and go, TacoTime has stayed focused on fresh, local ingredients prepared with care and consistency. It is the kind of comfort food people grow up with, crave without warning and come back for again and again.

The Taco Tuesday® Trademark: A Uniquely Canadian Brand Asset

TacoTime owns Taco Tuesday. Since 1997, TacoTime has held the registered trademark for Taco Tuesday® in Canada, a brand asset that no other competitor in the country can legally use. While other restaurants may try to capitalize on the popularity of “Taco Tuesday®,” only TacoTime can legally promote and own it as part of its brand identity.

More importantly, Taco Tuesday® has become part of the weekly routine for TacoTime guests. Through unmatched value with unlimited ordering volume, it gives people a reason to come together and make an ordinary Tuesday considerably better. For the brand and its franchisees, it is a recognizable cultural touchpoint that drives traffic and builds loyalty week after week.

TacoTime Locations: Growing Opportunities in Ontario

TacoTime’s network spans over 125 locations across Canada, in mall food courts, drive-thrus, and freestanding restaurants, and the brand continues to grow. 

For prospective franchisees, Ontario represents an opportunity to introduce an established Western Canadian brand to new communities. TacoTime’s flexible restaurant formats allow it to fit a range of markets, from mall food courts to street-front and drive-thru locations.

Estimated investment for a mall location ranges from $325,000 to $450,000. Street and drive-thru locations range from $350,000 to $550,000, depending on the format. All formats include a $35,000 franchise fee and a 10-year franchise term aligned with the term of the lease.

Prospective franchisees considering a TacoTime franchise in Ontario can find additional information about costs, qualifications and available support in the TacoTime franchise FAQs.

TacoTime Franchise Costs and Fees

TacoTime offers three location formats: mall, street, and drive-thru. The table below outlines the standard fees and investment ranges for each.

Actual amounts may vary depending on location, size, and site conditions. Required liquid assets refer to cash on hand as a share of the total investment. Prospective franchisees should refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document for complete information.

Why TacoTime’s Canadian Heritage Matters to Franchisees and Customers

History only matters if it still shows up in the experience.

For TacoTime customers, more than 45 years in Canada means a recognizable brand, familiar favourites and quality food offered at an accessible price.  That history comes with a franchise model backed by hands-on food and hospitality training through the brand’s MTYU programs, a product innovation team that keeps the menu fresh with new recipes and limited-time offers, and a marketing team focused on national ad campaigns, local business coaching, and social media engagement.

TacoTime also brings franchisees together through a semi-annual appreciation event focused on brand successes, future plans and development strategy. It is an opportunity to stay connected to the broader business and help shape what comes next.

Read the TacoTime franchising success story to learn more about how the brand’s Canadian roots support its franchise opportunities today.

TacoTime franchising success story.

Let’s Get Started

So, is TacoTime a Canadian brand? Yes. Its Western Canadian roots, more than 45 years of history and national network continue to shape how the business operates today.

For prospective franchisees, that history comes with something equally important: an experienced team ready to help with site selection, costs, training, restaurant operations and ongoing growth.

Interested in taking the next step? Submit a franchise inquiry and a member of our Franchise Development team will be in touch.

Or learn more on the TacoTime brand page.