Pancheros Mexican Grill’s Robust 2019 Planning and New Operations Leadership Set to Pay Off in 2020

As Pancheros continues to see increased month-over-month sales, loyalty program growth and three new restaurant openings, the brand has hired two new executives to lead its operations strategy as it ramps up for growth and expansion. Erik Ivey has been appointed as Vice President of Operations and Saúl Muñiz has been named Director of Operations.

“Pancheros is focused on bringing the right group of people to the table,” said Rodney Anderson, President at Pancheros Mexican Grill. “Erik and Saúl have shown great integrity and will bring a wealth of knowledge to our restaurant operations. Both will serve as key players to successfully grow our brand in the years ahead.”

Ivey builds on over 20 years of experience in restaurant operations at Pancheros. Before joining the Pancheros team, Ivey owned and operated his own restaurant, worked with other fast-casual concepts and honed his craft to inspire, empower and motivate everyone working at Pancheros.

Bringing 20 years of multi-unit leadership to his position at Pancheros, Muñiz will oversee all company-operated restaurants across four states. Muñiz’ initial focus will be to build a culture of empowered, high-performing team members ready to capitalize on Pancheros’ brand strength and pave the way for future growth.

Under Muñiz and Ivey’s leadership, Pancheros Mexican Grill opened three new restaurants in Media, Pennsylvania; Apple Valley, Minnesota and Marion, Iowa this summer.

The beginning of Pancheros dates back to 1992 when Rodney Anderson opened the brand’s first restaurant in Iowa City, Iowa. Originally modeled after the Chicago taquerias that Anderson had visited often with his friends during his teenage years, the brand’s pursuit of constructing a better built burrito launched Pancheros into an evolution based on simplicity and fresh-pressed tortillas.

Since its humble beginnings, Pancheros has earned a loyal following for redefining the standards of modern burritos by using fresh-pressed tortillas and perfectly-mixed ingredients with the help of BOB the Tool, a unique plastic spatula used to carefully mix ingredients together to create the perfect taste in every bite.

Amid its popularity, the brand has successfully grown from its roots and today a robust franchising program has led to nearly 70 locations across 12 states.