Franchising seems complicated, but in reality it is very simple. Simple doesn’t always mean easy, however, and that’s where choosing the right brand for you is important. Today’s guest is Joe Gale, Director of Franchise Development with Pancheros Mexican Grill. Pancheros was founded by Rodney Anderson in 1992 as a single restaurant in Iowa City. Now, as they celebrate their 30th birthday, the company also celebrates moving closer to their goal of opening 100 locations.
In this episode, Joe shares his extensive background with other brands and why Pancheros stands out among the rest. Through the years, Joe has seen franchising done the right way and the wrong way and with his guidance, we learn that it doesn’t have to be complicated. Pancheros has simple systems in place to find the right franchisees, training them to be successful, and making sure each location has the support they need to thrive. So listen on to find out more about the brand and how keeping things simple is the key to growth.
Key Takeaways:
[1:52] – Joe shares his background and how he got involved with the Pancheros brand.
[3:05] – Pancheros is a fast-casual restaurant, and Joe describes the customer experience.
[4:17] – Pancheros is one of the first in this type of restaurant and is celebrating their 30th birthday as a company.
[5:27] – The original founder is still 100% involved and invested in the brand.
[6:39] – Initially, the target location for Pancheros was college towns.
[7:53] – What does Pancheros look for when finding the right franchisee?
[9:03] – Franchisees will be fully trained and experience isn’t necessary.
[10:56] – Simple isn’t always easy but it is best. Joe describes Pancheros’ system in guiding franchisees to opening.
[13:02] – Over the years, the company has evolved the menu. Many restaurants have too much on their menu, but Pancheros keeps it simple.
[14:48] – Consistency is important and with a simple menu, it is achievable across multiple locations.
[16:40] – Pancheros is looking for franchisees with a goal of opening 100 quality locations.
[18:01] – It is important to be involved and committed to your community.
[20:15] – Something that sets Pancheros apart is everything is made in-house, including hot sauce and guacamole.
[21:15] – Joe explains the ideal amount of manageable labor for a Pancheros location.
[23:29] – Check out the Pancheros website for franchise information.
