Pancheros Mexican Grill
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Founder | Rodney Anderson |
| Headquarters | United States |
Area served | United States |
| Products | Tex-Mex cuisine |
Pancheros Mexican Grill is a fast-casual Tex-Mex dining chain based in the United States, offering Mexican-inspired fare. Established in 1992 by Rodney Anderson, the initial two establishments launched near university campuses located in Iowa City, Iowa, and East Lansing, Michigan. By 2023, Pancheros has expanded to 73 locations across the country. The brand is notable for its commitment to making tortillas fresh on-site with each order. In 2006, Sports Illustrated recognized Pancheros as the top late-night dining destination in Iowa City.
History
Following his MBA completion at the University of Chicago in 1992, Anderson utilized stock market funds to open the first Pancheros restaurant. This original outlet was situated near the University of Iowa campus in Iowa City, with a second venue established shortly after in East Lansing, Michigan, close to Michigan State University. The subsequent nine restaurants were strategically placed in comparable Midwestern college towns. In 1998, Pancheros enhanced its offerings by introducing freshly pressed tortillas made with a dough press and revamped its interior design to a more refined aesthetic. The chain's initial franchise-operated location was launched in 2003. To support branding initiatives, their mascot named Bob the Tool was introduced in April 2007.