Mexi Bean Express

About Mexi Bean Express

Yorkshire Mexican restaurant concept Mexi Bean Express was founded in 2020 as Mexi Bean by Danielle Best and has sites in Halifax, Brighouse, Huddersfield, Sowerby Bridge and Morley. In 2024, the company launched a franchise opportunity as it looks to expand. In May 2025, Best told Propel Mexi Bean Express is set to launch its first franchise sites this year as it eyes a UK-wide presence before expanding globally. “All the current locations are company-owned, and we have more in the pipeline, but at the same time, we have kicked off the process of opening the first franchise units and will launch them later this year,” Best told Propel. “Our growth plan includes launching 11-plus franchises across the UK in the next 12 months, venturing into international franchising in the next two years and having a global presence in five years. We’re looking at expanding across all UK regions, but Yorkshire will always be special - it’s where Mexi Bean started and it’s my home. Our initial locations are a great example of how a Mexi Bean Express can be successful in smaller towns, but we are looking at multi-territory expansion with franchise locations in major UK cities and across towns as our concepts are highly adaptable and scalable.” Best said she had no background in hospitality before launching her business, describing it as a “literally stepping into the unknown”. Not only that, but she launched at a time when the sector was reeling from the effects of covid and lurching from one lockdown to the next. “I had total confidence in my idea and decided I could learn everything on the job and find people along the way to share their skills and knowledge in the areas that were not my forte,” she said. “It was a very steep learning curve, and funding the business myself meant I was risking it all, so failure was not an option, and with three young kids at home, I wanted them to see that if you put your heart and soul into something you believe in, you can achieve anything. You have to be reactive in business and not overthink things. One of my biggest strengths is being able to evaluate the information available to me, make decisions quickly and adapt to whatever is happening. People talk a lot about the pandemic, but the hospitality sector in the UK is constantly facing challenges. That’s why a franchise can be safe-haven in the storm - we are stronger when we work together.” Not content with just rolling out Mexi Bean Express, Best is also working on a franchise for her luxury wellness studio concept, Kalm, and also operates a dessert shop in Brighouse called Charlie’s - named after one of her sons. In July 2025, Mexi Bean Express opened a new location, in Bradford, and the following month, opened its first travel hub location, at Wakefield Westgate station. This site saw the launch of the QSR with which the company will lead its rollout. In October 2025, Mexi Bean Express confirmed its first franchise site, and first outside of Yorkshire, will open in Peterborough. Franchisee Manoj Kumar Maruthan said: “It’s a proud moment to be part of the Mexi Bean Express franchise journey - and even more special knowing we’re the first of many franchisees to come. We’re ready to build our Mexi Bean Express cartel.” Best added: “We’ve built something special in Yorkshire, and it’s amazing to see it catching fire beyond our home turf. This is only the beginning of our mission to bring fresh Mexican flavour to every corner of the UK and beyond.” The Peterborough site opened in March 2026.

Why franchise with Mexi Bean Express

• ✓Single unit, multi-unit and area developers are being sought. Average start-up cost is £50,000 to £230,000 and minimum personal contribution is £50,000. The two concepts are Mexi Bean Express (Takeaway) – compact counter-service locations perfect for bustling city centres, focused on takeaway and delivery; and Mexi Bean Restaurant (Dine-In) – larger venues offering table service and takeaway, ideal for creating a community dining experience with higher average order values. Initial investment is takeaway model from £50,000 +VAT, and dine-in model from £230,000 +VAT (includes franchise fee). Ongoing costs are a management fee of 6% of gross monthly turnover and a marketing fee of 2% of gross monthly turnover. Mexi Bean Express said it offers a unique QSR concept blending fast food convenience with high-quality, innovative Mexican flavours; proven growth in the UK, with a growing demand for Mexican cuisine and plant-based options; and an established systems and support to help franchisees thrive. Franchisees get exclusive territory rights, comprehensive induction training and ongoing mentoring, marketing support and branding assets, access to curated supplier networks and preferential rates, centralised sales, PR and operational support. “We are thrilled to announce that we are now offering franchise opportunities, and we’re looking for dedicated entrepreneurs who share our love for authentic Mexican cuisine and our commitment to exceptional customer experiences,” the company said. “By becoming a part of our franchise family, you’ll have the chance to bring the vibrant flavours of Mexico to your area while benefiting from our proven recipes, branding, and support system. Join us in creating a vibrant and flavourful future in the world of Mexican cuisine.
• ✓As a franchisee, you’ll receive comprehensive training, ongoing support, and access to our time-tested recipes and sourcing methods, ensuring that every plate you serve reflects the authentic taste and spirit of Mexico. If you’re a motivated entrepreneur with a love for Mexican cuisine and a desire to make a mark in the food industry, we’re ready to partner with you on this exciting journey.”