Denver-based brand looks to expand beyond Colorado with as many as 100 new restaurants over the next several years.
Denver, CO (RestaurantNews.com) Chili Shack – a Denver born-and-based restaurant brand known for mixing Mexican-American flavors with a heavy dose of green chili – has announced the launch of its franchise opportunity and plans to expand across the United States.
With five corporate-owned restaurants already serving throngs of customers throughout the Denver metro area, Chili Shack has set its sights on opening as many as 100 new locations across the country in the next several years. The growth will be achieved through both single- and multi-unit franchising, initially targeting select markets throughout other parts of Colorado, as well as Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, and New Mexico.
“We’re incredibly excited to introduce the Chili Shack franchise opportunity and expand our footprint beyond our home state of Colorado,” said founder and CEO Abraham Olivas. “Anchored by the quality, value, authentic menu offerings, and overall guest experience that has defined us to this point, we’re perfectly positioned to differentiate ourselves in the thriving Mexican dining segment and look to the future with great enthusiasm.”
A Culinary Dream
Chili Shack was the realization of a lifelong dream for Olivas. From a young age, he found joy in the kitchen, cooking alongside his parents, especially his father, Ramon Olivas, a professional chef of over 20 years. He quickly became known among friends and family for his delicious, home-cooked dishes that brought people together.
In 2020, using profits from a successful landscaping business, Olivas opened his very first Chili Shack restaurant in Lakewood, Colorado – a heartfelt tribute to his roots, his family, and the joy of sharing bold, comforting food with the community.
Bold, Spicy, and Traditional Flavor
Today, Chili Shack has built a cult following for its crave-worthy creations. Customers can find meal options across multiple day parts, including fully customizable burritos, various grilled tacos and quesadillas, Southwest-inspired burgers, hearty enchilada plates, loaded fries, and other street-style favorites. The soul of the menu is Chili Shack’s signature green chili – a rich, flavorful staple that brings every dish to life with its perfect balance of heat, spice, and tradition.
The menu doesn’t just stop there. Chili Shack also dishes out crispy tortilla chips paired with a trio of irresistible sides (salsa, queso, and guacamole), as well as “take home items” like beans, rice, salsa, red chili, green chili, and chicharrones that are available in cups, pints, quarts, and even gallons.
“Whether you’re stopping in for breakfast, a late-night bite, or just craving something satisfying, we guarantee something for every appetite,” said Olivas, noting that most items cost between $10 and $16.
Investment Details
Chili Shack is seeking passionate entrepreneurs to join the brand’s early growth.
Including a franchise fee of $65,000, the total investment to open a 2,400 square-foot restaurant ranges from $254,500 to $574,600. Each restaurant typically seats about 25-40 guests and employs as many as 10 people.
Claudio Garcia, Chili Shack’s chief technology officer and brand spokesperson, said the company is a brand on the rise, with a bold vision and a business model “designed for growth.”
“This is a unique opportunity to join us at the beginning of our journey and help shape the future of a standout concept in the fast-casual space,” he added.
For more information about Chili Shack, visit Chili-Shack.com.