Kekala aims to have 50 outlets operating in Mexico by the end of 2026

Kekala has set a target for its expansion in Mexico: to have at least 50 outlets operating by the end of 2026. Enrique Chargoy, managing director of the company, which belongs to Grupo Lagred, explained that openings have gathered pace since its first outlets launched in March. The target puts network development and franchisee relationships at the heart of its next phase.

From four outlets to faster expansion

According to information published by El Financiero in late September, Kekala launched in March with four outlets following a planning period. Chargoy said the pace of growth had risen to six openings a month and then to eight. He added that 14 outlets had been added over the previous two months.

These figures indicate an acceleration from the initial launch, although the published data does not provide a complete opening timeline or establish an up-to-date outlet count. The figure of 50 outlets should therefore be understood as a year-end projection, not a milestone already reached.

“The pace of growth is now faster, and we are projecting at least 50 operating outlets by the end of the year,” Chargoy said. The phrase “at least” reflects management’s expectations; it does not confirm additional openings beyond that threshold.

The target refers to operating outlets

The announcement emphasises operating outlets. This distinction matters when assessing the scope of the plan: the stated target refers to locations trading at the end of 2026, rather than simply franchise agreements signed or projects announced.

Chargoy maintained that Kekala’s growth in Mexico was progressing as planned. He also said that, seven months after its first outlets opened, the company had been well received in the Mexican market. Both assessments come from the company’s management.

The available information does not include sales per outlet, footfall, profitability or other indicators that would allow that reception to be assessed independently. The concrete detail in the announcement is therefore the expansion target, alongside the change in opening pace described by the executive.

Franchisees as part of the growth story

Kekala’s relationship with its franchisees is presented as another contributor to its progress. According to the report, the company regards that relationship as an important factor in its growth. The announcement thus links network expansion to collaboration between the brand and those involved in developing it.

For those involved in Mexico’s franchise market, this point deserves attention beyond the outlet count. It raises a practical question: how does a brand support its franchisees as it accelerates openings? The published information does not detail Kekala’s training, assistance or ongoing support arrangements, so it would be inappropriate to attribute specific programmes to the company.

The report also notes that the company had announced substantial investment in the franchise business several months earlier. However, the available material specifies neither the amount nor how it would be allocated. This provides context for the plan, but does not allow the investment per new outlet to be calculated.

What to check before making a decision

The next verifiable milestone will be the number of outlets still operating at the end of 2026. Until then, it is worth keeping three elements separate: the openings reported, management’s assessment of the brand’s reception and the target that has yet to be met.

Prospective franchisees will need information beyond the announcement: total investment required, contractual terms, available locations, operational support and documented results from comparable outlets. These details are not included in the published material and should be requested directly, rather than inferred from the pace of expansion.

In practice: the 50-outlet target provides a benchmark for tracking Kekala’s growth, but an investment decision should rest on operational and financial documentation, not solely on the number of planned openings.