Pancheros Signs Multi-Unit Agreement With Mex Midwest Group for 2026 Midwest Expansion

Coralville, IA — Pancheros Mexican Grill today announces a new partnership with Mex Midwest, a seasoned multi-unit restaurant group expanding its portfolio of leading fast-casual brands. The three-unit franchise agreement includes plans to open three Pancheros restaurants across the Midwest, with two new locations slated to open in northern Illinois this summer and fall.

Led by fast-causal industry veterans Jeremy Music and Rob Bowers, Mex Midwest brings extensive multi-brand franchising experience, spanning Scooter’s Coffee, Wingstop, Jersey Mike’s, Smalls Sliders and Billy Sim’s BBQ. Officially combining forces in 2021, the group collectively holds decades of operational and development expertise across both quick-service and fast-casual concepts, including backgrounds with McDonald’s, Taco Bell and Dunkin’.

“As we diversify and grow our portfolio, our eyes are set on Pancheros,” said Bowers, VP of Operations and Operating Partner at Mex Midwest. “We seek out brands that deliver on operational excellence, supportive leadership and offer craveable food that builds loyal communities. Pancheros checks every box.”

Pancheros continues to cement its role of delivering the signature burrito of the Midwest — standing out with its fresh-pressed tortillas, made-to-order burritos and perfectly mixed bites, thanks to its custom ingredient-mixing tool, Bob the Tool®. With a consistent record of multi-unit success and a shared people-first philosophy, the Mex Midwest team is well-positioned to drive Pancheros into the next chapter of growth throughout the region.

“Welcoming franchisees of this caliber into our system reinforces the momentum we’re seeing across the brand,” said Rodney Anderson, President and Founder of Pancheros Mexican Grill. “Rob and Jeremy demonstrate what it takes to grow multiple restaurant concepts across the industry. Their priorities align with ours, and I’m certain they’ll continue to foster the positive environment we look for in our restaurants and communities. We could not be more excited to have them on board and to continue growing throughout the Midwest.”

The first Pancheros restaurant under the Mex Midwest group is planned to open in Princeton, Illinois as early as this summer, with a second location opening in Sterling, Illinois this fall.