Comess Group
Comess Group is a Spanish multi-brand restaurant franchisor founded in 1988 and headquartered in Madrid, operating six brands (Lizarran, Pomodoro, Cantina Mariachi, Levaduramadre, Don G, Casa García) across 350+ franchised establishments in 9 countries, with PE backing from GED Capital and Oquendo Capital.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1988
- HeadquartersMadrid, Spain
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Comess Group does
Comess Group is a Spanish multi-brand restaurant franchisor headquartered in Madrid, founded in 1988. The group operates six commercial brands — Lizarran (tapas/pintxos), Pomodoro (Italian), Cantina Mariachi (Mexican), Levaduramadre (bakery/coffee), Don G (burgers), and Casa García (traditional Spanish) — distributed across 350+ establishments in nine countries, including 40 international units operated under master-franchise agreements. Its corporate HQ employs 51–100 staff, while on-the-ground operations are run by independent franchisees.
The group's revenue model combines entry fees, ongoing royalties (historically in the 2.5%–5% range), marketing-fund contributions, and supply-chain margin from centralized procurement. Franchise-financing partnerships with Banco Sabadell and BBVA (established in 2022) embed third-party capital into the franchisee onboarding funnel, accelerating unit openings without straining the group's balance sheet. Levaduramadre, acquired in July 2021 with backing from PE sponsors GED Capital and Oquendo Capital, generated €49.3M in revenue in 2025 (+16% YoY) with EBITDA up 26.1%, and is the portfolio's highest-growth brand.
Strategically, the group is pursuing geographic and operational expansion: a new CEO (Iñaki de Olazabal) was installed in 2022, Levaduramadre entered Andorra in 2025, and a Puerto Rico store is scheduled for August 2026 as the group's first American footprint. Operational analytics capability is led by a Director of Advanced Analytics & IT, indicating BI/ML tooling is used internally for franchise performance management rather than as a customer-facing product.
Comess Group firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Comess Group
- Legal name
- COMESS GROUP DE RESTAURACIÓN, S. L.
- Website
- https://comessgroup.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1988
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Comess Group is a Spanish multi-brand restaurant franchisor founded in 1988 and headquartered in Madrid, operating six brands (Lizarran, Pomodoro, Cantina Mariachi, Levaduramadre, Don G, Casa García) across 350+ franchised establishments in 9 countries, with PE backing from GED Capital and Oquendo Capital.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Comess Group industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Restaurant Franchising
- NAICS
- Limited-Service Restaurants (722513)
- SIC
- Retail-Eating Places (5812), Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Multi-Concept / Global QSR Chains (Mixed Menus) (THAFAAAO)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Mexican/Latin QSR (Tacos, Burritos, Bowls) (THAFAAAE)
Keywords
Where Comess Group is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Madrid
- HQ country
- Spain
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Comess Group business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Franchise Royalties: Comess Group generates recurring revenue through royalty payments from franchisees, typically calculated as a percentage of net sales (ranging from 2.5% to 5% depending on brand), plus additional marketing fund contributions.
- Franchise Entry Fees (Canon de Entrada): One-time franchise entry fees charged to new franchisees for the right to use and exploit the brand, access to know-how, operational manuals, and training for the opening process. Entry fees vary by brand, ranging from 12,000€ to 16,000€.
- Master Franchise Fees: Revenue from granting master-franchise rights to operators in international markets, enabling expansion into new countries under the company's brands.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Annual | Levaduramadre franchise entry |
| One time/ perpetual license | Annual | Lizarran franchise entry |
| One time/ perpetual license | Annual | Pomodoro franchise entry |
| One time/ perpetual license | Annual | Don G franchise entry |
| One time/ perpetual license | Annual | Cantina Mariachi franchise entry |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Comess Group product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Comess Group operates a multi-brand restaurant franchise platform with 6 commercial brands (Lizarran, Pomodoro, Cantina Mariachi, Levaduramadre, Don G, Casa García) covering Spanish pintxos/tapas, Italian fast casual, Mexican cuisine, artisanal bakery, Spanish sandwiches, and traditional bar concepts. The company sells franchise rights to entrepreneurs and master-franchise partners, earning entry fees (€12,000–€16,000) plus recurring royalties (2.5%–5% of net sales) and marketing fund contributions across 350+ establishments in 9 countries.
Product overview
Comess Group operates a multi-brand franchise model with 6 commercial brands: Lizarran (Spanish pintxos/tapas), Pomodoro (Italian fast casual), Cantina Mariachi (Mexican), Levaduramadre (artisan bakery/pastry), Don G (Spanish fast food), and Casa García (traditional Spanish bars). The portfolio also includes BeZumm and licensed Pieology rights for Spain/Portugal. Comess Group manages 350+ establishments in 9 countries under master-franchise agreements, with entry fees from €12,000-€16,000 and royalty rates of 2.5%-5% on net sales. Brands are supported by internal I+D (innovation), marketing, operations, and purchasing/logistics teams. Financial backing from GED Capital and Oquendo Capital.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Lizarran: Pinchos, tapas, and beer concept; Spanish gastronomy reference. Product includes pintxos served from display cases and hot pintxos with table service, accompanied by beer in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Pomodoro
- Cantina Mariachi
- Levaduramadre
- Don G
- Casa García
Products and services
- Lizarran Franchise Brand Spanish pintxos, tapas, and beer restaurant franchise. One of the most recognized brands in Spanish gastronomy with 200+ million pintxos sold historically. Targets entrepreneurs opening pintxos/tapas restaurants in Spain and abroad. Entry fee €16,000; 5% royalty on net sales; initial investment from €140,000; 150m² + terrace required.
- Pomodoro Franchise Brand Italian fast casual restaurant franchise offering high-quality Italian cuisine at competitive prices starting from €3.90. Operates in the segment between Fast Food and Casual Dining. Targets franchisees seeking an Italian fast casual concept. Entry fee €16,000; fixed royalty from €1,150 + €250 marketing; initial investment from €130,000; 150m² + terrace; average ticket €14.50.
- Cantina Mariachi Franchise Brand Mexican cuisine restaurant franchise, pioneer of Mexican gastronomy in Spain, offering authentic cuisine made with quality products. Targets franchisees seeking a Mexican casual dining concept. Entry fee €16,000; 5% royalty on net sales; initial investment from €140,000.
- Levaduramadre Franchise Brand Artisanal bakery and pastry franchise producing fresh bread, pastries, and savory items daily at a central workshop. Recognized for quality bread with personalized customer service. With over 165 stores, reported 2025 revenue of €49.3 million (+16% YoY). Targets franchisees seeking a bakery concept. Entry fee €12,000; 2.5% royalty + 1% marketing fund; initial investment from €99,000; 40m² minimum.
- Don G Franchise Brand Spanish fast food franchise offering large sandwiches, burgers, and traditional Spanish dishes with quality and quick service. Targets franchisees seeking an authentic Spanish popular food concept. Entry fee €16,000; 5% royalty on net sales; initial investment from €140,000; 150m² + terrace.
- Casa García Franchise Brand Traditional Spanish bar franchise inspired by neighborhood bars of old, offering traditional Spanish gastronomy, well-pulled beers, and classic dishes. Targets franchisees seeking a traditional Spanish bar concept.
- BeZumm Franchise Brand Brand added to Comess Group portfolio in 2017 as part of the company's brand diversification and expansion strategy.
- Pieology Spain & Portugal Licensing Rights Licensed exploitation rights for the Pieology US salad/pizza brand for the Spain and Portugal territories, held since 2017.
Quantifiable outcome
- Levaduramadre grew from 60 locations to 165+ stores with 49.3M€ revenue (+16%) and EBITDA up 26.1% in 2025
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Comess Group
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Comess Group technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability1 record
Comess Group partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor.
- APD (Asociación para el Progreso de la Dirección)minorComess Group has been a member of APD since 2017. APD is the reference association for executives in Spain with 3,500 member companies. Comess Group seeks management excellence through continuous training of its executives.
- FACE (Federación de Asociaciones de Celiacos de España)minorAgreement signed in 2017 for the development of gluten-free products suitable for people with celiac disease. As part of this commitment, Lizarran included gluten-free products on its menu in 2018.
- HAVISA (Plan Hábitos de Vida Saludable)minorComess Group signed the Healthy Lifestyle Habits plan promoted by the Ministry of Health, Social Policy and Equality as a member of the Restaurant Brands association. The company complies with the commitment to disseminate HAVISA at points of sale and digitally.
- AECOSAN (Plan de Colaboración para la Mejora de la Composición de los Alimentos y Bebidas)minorComess Group joined the sector and AECOSAN commitment so that by 2020 its gastronomic offering would be integrated into this plan, which aims for the gradual reduction of sugar and other nutrients such as salt and fats.
- Coca-Cola GIRA ProgramminorLizarran participates in the GIRA program by Coca-Cola, which offers professional opportunities to young people at risk of social exclusion. The Lizarran Bar Escuela is a professional opportunity for young people who want to train in the hospitality sector.
- Mensajeros de la Paz / Robin Hood RestaurantsminorCollaboration with Robin Hood restaurants managed by the NGO Mensajeros de la Paz, creating the 'Día Lizarran'. On the last Thursday of each month, restaurants offer the Lizarran menu to people at risk of poverty and social exclusion. The collaboration includes corporate volunteering.
- Fundación SERESminorCollaboration agreement with Fundación SERES. Comess reinforces its commitment to society as a fundamental part of the company's strategy, committing to improve society through responsible actions.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Comess Group competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- AmRest Holdings: European multi-brand restaurant franchise operator running KFC, Pizza Hut, Burger King, Starbucks, and La Tagliatella across CEE and Western Europe. Comparable business model of operating multiple franchise brands with master-franchise and unit-level operations across European geographies.
- Grupo Vips: Spanish multi-brand restaurant operator behind Vips, Ginos, Domino's units, and Starbucks stores in Spain. Direct Spanish-headquartered comparable with similar mix of casual dining and franchise/licensed concepts.
- Restalia: Spanish multi-brand restaurant franchise operator behind 100 Montaditos, The Good Burger (TGB), and Panther Pizza. Directly comparable to Comess as a Spanish-headquartered, multi-concept franchise group targeting similar entrepreneur franchisees and operating similar pintxos/burger/casual dining concepts.
- Grupo Zena (Alsea Iberia): Operates Foster's Hollywood, Domino's Pizza, and Burger King master-franchise rights in Spain. A directly comparable multi-brand Spanish franchise operator with similar mix of own-brand and licensed international franchise concepts.
- Telepizza (Yum! Brands): Spanish QSR pizza delivery and franchise brand, now owned by Yum! Brands. Comparable as a Spanish-headquartered franchise restaurant operator with strong brand recognition and franchise-based growth model.
Broad incumbents
- Yum! Brands: US-listed parent of KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill. Indirectly comparable as the global multi-brand QSR franchisor whose brands (KFC, Pizza Hut) compete with Comess's Pomodoro (Italian) and Cantina Mariachi (Mexican) concepts in Spain.
- Alsea: Mexico-headquartered multi-brand restaurant franchise operator (Starbucks, Domino's, Burger King, Chili's, Vips, El Portón) across Latin America and Europe. Comparable as a much bigger multi-brand franchise roll-up; provides a benchmark for what scaled Spanish-language multi-brand franchising can become.
- McDonald's Corporation: Global QSR franchisor with significant Spanish presence through master franchisees. Comparable as a broad incumbent in the franchise QSR category that Pomodoro, Don G, and Cantina Mariachi compete against.
- Restaurant Brands Iberia: Master franchisee of Burger King, Tim Hortons, and Popeyes in Spain and Portugal (subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International). Comparable as a multi-brand Spanish franchise operator, though focused on licensed international brands versus Comess's own-brand portfolio.
Emerging players
- Areas (Areas Worldwide): Travel hospitality food & beverage franchise operator in airports and highways across Spain and globally. Partially comparable as a Spanish-rooted multi-concept foodservice franchise operator, though with a different channel focus (travel venues).
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Comess Group social profiles
Digital presenceComess Group financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Comess Group leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles13 records
Comess Group subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Comess Group funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Comess Group M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A2 records
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Comess Group
What does Comess Group do?
Comess Group operates a multi-brand restaurant franchise platform with 6 commercial brands (Lizarran, Pomodoro, Cantina Mariachi, Levaduramadre, Don G, Casa García) covering Spanish pintxos/tapas, Italian fast casual, Mexican cuisine, artisanal bakery, Spanish sandwiches, and traditional bar concepts. The company sells franchise rights to entrepreneurs and master-franchise partners, earning entry fees (€12,000–€16,000) plus recurring royalties (2.5%–5% of net sales) and marketing fund contributions across 350+ establishments in 9 countries.
Is Comess Group a public or private company?
Comess Group is a private company. It is classified as private equity controlled and is currently operating.
When was Comess Group founded?
Comess Group was founded in 1988. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Comess Group based?
Comess Group is headquartered in Madrid, Spain, in the Europe region.
How does Comess Group make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Franchise Royalties are the primary driver. The others are franchise Entry Fees (Canon de Entrada) and master Franchise Fees.
Who are Comess Group's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are AmRest Holdings, Grupo Vips, Restalia, Grupo Zena (Alsea Iberia) and Telepizza (Yum! Brands). Broad incumbents are Yum! Brands, Alsea, McDonald's Corporation and Restaurant Brands Iberia. Areas (Areas Worldwide) is listed as an emerging player.
Does Comess Group have an API?
No public API is recorded for Comess Group.
What industry is Comess Group in?
Comess Group's product category is Restaurant Franchising. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAFAAAO, Multi-Concept / Global QSR Chains (Mixed Menus), with a secondary code of THAFAAAE, Mexican/Latin QSR (Tacos, Burritos, Bowls). Its NAICS code is 722513 and its SIC code is 5812.