Category: Events/News

PRESS RELEASE  JUL 15, 2022 09:00 EDT

CHICAGO, July 15, 2022 (Newswire.com) – Watch out, pizza. There’s a Tex-Mex takeout takeover on the horizon for the Windy City. Texas-born Fajita Pete’s has announced the signing of five Chicago locations, the first of which is set to open by Q2 2023. This latest deal signing brings the total Fajita Pete’s opened plus awarded unit count to just north of 100.

Next In Line

From hot dogs to deep dish pizza, Chicago is a heavy-hitter for casual culinary classics that have risen to cult status. And, if you ask the franchising duo of Teddy Wyder and Veronica Rivero, fresh fajita delivery is sure to be the next Chicago fan favorite.

Longtime Chicago couple turned restaurant entrepreneurs, Wyder and Rivero share the origin of their fajita-filled journey. After a business partner in Texas raved about Fajita Pete’s after every visit, the pair contacted the head of Fajita Pete’s franchising. “We quickly fell in love with the business model, the team, and of course the food,” says Wyder. “Chicago is an incredible food mecca, but it has nothing like Fajita Pete’s.”

The Franchising Duo

Wyder will lead the operation with an MBA from the University of Minnesota and nearly two decades in manufacturing and logistics, and, he reports, a nail-biting second place finish in a burrito-eating contest.

Rivero rounds out the duo’s credentials with years of sales and marketing experience at tech startups. She is a University of Notre Dame grad and co-founder of the Chicago Chapter of The Latinista, a professional organization that helps provide women of color the right tools and resources to advance in their careers.

“The Fajita Pete’s team has spent several lifetimes in the restaurant industry,” shares Pedro “Pete” Mora, who founded Fajita Pete’s in 2008. “It’s all worth it to be able to turn all of our experiences—mistakes and all—into a uniquely streamlined opportunity for entrepreneurs.”

A Twist on Traditional Tex-Mex

For over a decade, the self-proclaimed “fajita delivery professionals” of Fajita Pete’s have focused almost exclusively on fajita takeout, delivery, and catering. Their iconic DIY spread includes fresh tortillas and a full suite of “familia-style” housemade sides complementing skirt steak, chicken, shrimp, vegetarian, or pulled pork carnitas.

“Fajita Pete’s embraces simple, traditional recipes, with a twist,” shares Mora. The twist? A prototypical Fajita Pete’s has just a few tables and over half of its 1,200 square feet is dedicated to a full kitchen.

“Fajita delivery might be untraditional,” admits Mora, “but Fajita Pete’s is one hundred percent driven by tradition and family. We make authentic fajitas a tradition you can enjoy around your own table.”

Where will we see Fajita Pete’s next? “It’s always a humbling day when we grow the Fajita Pete’s family. Look out for a handful of other exciting updates in the coming months,” Mora hints. “But for now, we are just so happy that Teddy and Veronica are on our team and that Chicago will get a taste of what our Tex-Mex is all about.”

About Fajita Pete’s

Fajita Pete’s currently has over 100 units open or in development nationwide. For more information, visit franchisefajitapetes.com. For press inquiries contact marketing@fajitapetes.com.

“When I was younger, Conroe was nothing but trees and a few hole-in-the-wall restaurants,” recalls food blogger Conroe Foods. “But now, everyone is coming to Conroe.” Demand for dining options, the blogger notes, is at an all time high.

But, he adds, that doesn’t mean it will be easy for new restaurants. The Conroe food scene is packed with longstanding local favorites and authentic Tex-Mex recipes that have been handed down for generations. 

“There are a lot of busy people in Conroe that don’t have time to sit down and grab a bite so takeout is their main option,” the blogger adds.

Introducing Fajita Pete’s

Lucky for locals, handcrafted Tex-Mex designed to deliver is now on the menu. Fajita Pete’s – Conroe opened in February at 850 S Loop 336 W Suite 400, Conroe, TX 77304. It is the second of five locations for franchisee, and former tech executive, Anthony Compofelice.

What will surprise locals when they try Fajita Pete’s? “We are so fast,” Compofelice says. “I think most people still aren’t aware that we aren’t actually a ‘fast food’ concept. From our guacamole to our tortillas, all of our recipes are prepared from scratch every day.”

“Our recipes are simple,” adds founder and Fajita Pete’s namesake Pedro “Pete” Mora. “My mother used pineapple in her recipes growing up, and to this day we marinade our proteins in lime and pineapple for flavor and tenderness.” 

Why Conroe? 

“I grew up in the area,” Compofelice shares. “I went to school here, and all of my family lives here. My wife was even born at the hospital in Conroe not a quarter mile from our Fajita Pete’s location. We understand and love this community, and are blessed to be able to open here and bring this cool concept to the area.” 

Fajita Pete’s – Conroe has already made it their mission to serve far more than fajitas, working with the Veterans Taskforce on a program to support the area veteran community, installing a “Pay it Forward” board in their store, and donating meals to CASA, an organization that supports children in the foster care system.

“At Fajita Pete’s the meals are so flexible and easy to adjust,” commented Stacey McDowell of CASA Conroe. “It was also a pleasant surprise how easy it was to get a gluten free option.”

“Conroe is a family town,” Compofelice adds. “Everyone here is focused on family and that’s what we want to be to this community: the go-to, to-go option for busy families craving quality and convenience.” 

To see how you can join Fajita Pete’s – Conroe on their mission to support the community (or just get some incredible Tex-Mex delivered for dinner tonight), follow them on Facebook and Instagram @fajitapetesconroe.

“Everyone is doing takeout, but not everyone is doing it well,” comments Dallas area food blogger @dallasfoodnerd. From the way that meals are packed to the containers the food arrives in, the blogger notes that savvy Dallas consumers have learned to scrutinize every inch of the takeout and delivery process. Beyond the food, customer service expectations are higher than ever, even within a short window of customer interaction. 

“At Fajita Pete’s, we call that the 30 seconds of hospitality,” explains Pedro “Pete” Mora, the founder and namesake of the fajita delivery concept Fajita Pete’s, as well as the owner of the flagship Houston location. “It has to be a quality, convenient and accurate experience. Every. Single. Time.” 

Hugh and Rebekah Guill, the franchisees behind Fajita Pete’s – Preston Forest, are no strangers to bringing amazing fajitas to Dallas communities. The opening of the Preston Forest location at 6060 Forest Lane marks the fourth fresh fajita delivery restaurant in the region since 2020 for the pair of former teachers.

“Whether you’re talking about delivery, takeout, or just Tex-Mex, Fajita Pete’s stands out,” says Hugh. “We not only grill our protein fresh to order, but also hand make our sides from scratch daily: salsa, beans, guacamole, rice… The attention to detail is what sets us apart.”

With combined experiences that include Teach for America, teaching in the Middle East, being a charter school principal, writing Social Studies curriculum for high schoolers—and finally, restaurant owners, the Guills traded their blackboards for black non-slip shoes, but never lost their passion for giving back. Whether it is a calendar full of Fajita Pete’s school spirit nights, fundraisers for local nonprofits, or simply giving away food to families in need with no fanfare, “We just love to fill stomachs—and hearts,” says Rebekah.

“Over the past two years, we’ve fallen in love with each of the communities that we are in,” says the duo, whose fajita footprint also includes the communities of Park Cities, Lakewood, and far north Dallas at Campbell Rd. It is the spirit of giving back to the community that sets Fajita Pete’s apart—a spirit that Rebekah, Hugh, and their store teams live out on a daily basis having donated to dozens of local schools and non-profit organizations in the neighborhoods they serve. 

On April 13, the Fajita Pete’s – Preston Forest restaurant made its inaugural donation to the East Dallas Boys and Girls Club, whose 7 staff members and one “honorary Abuela” serve around 90 children. 

“On behalf of East Dallas Boys & Girls Club, I want to say thank you!” says Alancia “Ms. Lanci” Oliver, director of the club. “To see the delight in the eyes of the members as they ate was such a rewarding feeling—knowing the food is not only delicious but healthy.”  

“This food is so delicious!” adds a fourth grade club member.

“This will be the last restaurant we open in the DFW area per our franchise agreement,” says Hugh. “We could not be more excited to round out our territory in such a wonderful neighborhood.” 

And based on feedback from their recent opening, it would seem that the feeling is mutual. “We even had a family come back to the club at the end of the event to see if there were any leftovers,” says Oliver. “Because of the large donation, we were able to say yes!” 

Looking for a Fajita Pete’s near you? You can see a full map of Fajita Pete’s locations at https://fajitapetes.clutch-wp.com/locations. 

About Fajita Pete’s

A natural category disrupter amongst Tex-Mex and takeout alike, Fajita Pete’s spent over a decade perfecting the handmade Tex-Mex delivery model. Unapologetically designed for off-premise dining, this streamlined fan-favorite fajita concept is poised to make fajitas famous throughout the nation. Fajita Pete’s currently has an ‘open and awarded pipeline’ of over 100 units across Texas, Colorado, Kansas, Illinois and Arizona.

The brand earned a spot on QSR Magazine’s 40/40 List: America’s Hottest Startup Fast Casuals for 2020, one of QSR’s Best Franchise Deals for 2021, and one of Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers and Shakers of 2022. Fajita Pete’s was also twice awarded first place at Houston’s Fajita Festival and outside of Texas was recently named Best Fajitas in Kansas City. 

Markets open for development include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas. For more information, visit franchisefajitapetes.com and follow Fajita Pete’s on Facebook @fajitapetestx and Instagram @fajitapetes.

What is the biggest challenge facing Katy area restaurant-goers? 

“Long wait times,” says Cindy Hannam. “Depending on the day of the week, and the time of the day.” Hannam, Katy resident of 18 years and local social media sensation @lululoves7_, is no stranger to the steady growth of the Katy and Fulshear communities, or the increased demand on the local restaurant industry. 

Delivery is also a key factor of restaurant success, Hannam notes, as many families have come to rely on third party services such as DoorDash for convenient options—without the wait. 

A career change with a side of queso

Fellow Katy resident and Fajita Pete’s franchisee Marshal Jones is on a mission to bring the area an option that combines restaurant-quality, award-winning Tex-Mex and convenient delivery—no DoorDash required. Fajita Pete’s – Seven Lakes opened April 18 at 9615 Spring Green Blvd in Katy, TX. The location, which will offer free delivery, is the second Jones opened alongside his father. 

“Like many people, after 2020 layoffs, I began looking for another direction in my career,” Jones shares. “I spent the better part of a year investigating a variety of franchises, but the Fajita Pete’s brand stuck out to me.” 

Founded in 2008 in Houston, Texas by Pedro “Pete” Mora, Fajita Pete’s specializes in handmade Tex-Mex, made to order for catering, curbside and delivery. 

“Many people are surprised to learn that Fajita Pete’s started right here in Houston,” says Jones. “I had the opportunity to learn directly from Pete and the rest of the team that has been doing Tex-Mex delivery for over a decade.” 

“It’s a simple menu, built for families, friends, and groups,” explains Mora, who has no problem slashing a traditional ten-page Tex-Mex menu. “We aren’t trying to do everything. We are trying to do one thing, and do it really well.”

“The greatest honor for us is that families keep coming back, that they trust us and make us a part of their traditions,” says Mora.

Why Fajita Pete’s in Seven Lakes? 

“First and foremost, I love the fajitas.” Jones says. “We have an amazing product that everyone loves, and I get to bring that to the Seven Lakes area.”

Jones, who has lived in Katy since 2015, considered many locations before selecting the store’s location in Seven Lakes. “My church is in Katy, as well as my friends and family. I love the family atmosphere here,” says Jones. 

“There is a family dynamic and willingness to help neighbors throughout Katy,” says Jones. “That’s the environment my guests will feel when they swing by to pick up fajitas for their family, or get fajitas delivered to their home or event.” 

Prior to opening their doors, Fajita Pete’s – Seven Lakes took time out of their busy training schedules to feed the community, serving parents at a financial workshop held at a local Boys and Girls Club. 

“I think the thing that sets us apart from most restaurants,” Jones says, “is that we not only serve the best fajitas in town, but we also actually live in our community and care about the well-being of our neighbors.”

“For us, it’s personal.” 

What is Fajita Pete’s? 

Boldly designed for off-premise dining, Fajita Pete’s has proven that Tex-Mex catering and delivery is here to stay. Fajita Pete’s was twice awarded first place at the Houston Fajita Festival. The brand also recently earned a spot on QSR Magazine’s top 40 Hottest Startup Fast Casuals and the 2022 Fast Casual Movers and Shakers List, after being named one of QSR’s Best Franchise Deals for 2021.

It’s fajitas like you’ve never seen them before—unless, that is, you’ve been to Houston, Dallas, or Austin recently. 

Fajita Pete’s, the fresh-off-the-grill fajita delivery concept, has more or less flown under the radar as a fan favorite in Houston and Dallas for the past decade.

“They call us a cult classic,” laughs founder and namesake Pedro “Pete” Mora. “That’s what they say when no one has heard of you yet.” 

But in the last two years, Fajita Pete’s quietly began nabbing national awards including a spot on QSR Magazine’s Hottest Startup Fast Casuals, QSR’s Best Franchise Deals, and FastCasual’s Top 100 Movers and Shakers of 2022. 

Fajita Pete’s also caught the attention of four QSR veterans: Keith Fontana and Michael Humphrey of Sonic and Qdoba, and Vishal Gajjar and Abhishek Doctor of Marco’s Pizza. The two franchising duos were recently awarded a total of 13 Fajita Pete’s restaurants across Texas. 

“Fajita Pete’s drew me in because it’s Texas-born and offers a real vehicle for growth,” says Fontana. 

“For a lot of other concepts, the markets are saturated,” Humphrey adds. “People have seen it all and tried it all. But fresh fajitas and margaritas brought to your door? There are a lot of people that have never experienced anything like Fajita Pete’s. There is almost unlimited potential to grow.”

Fontana says the pair looked at countless opportunities over a span of several years before selecting Fajita Pete’s. 

“We have years of experience with established nationwide brands,” shares Humphrey, who began as a Sonic carhop and worked his way up to franchising over more than two decades. “It’s a rare opportunity to be part of something that is on the verge of exploding nationwide.”

Why Fajita Pete’s? 

The growing buzz amongst franchisees around the Fajita Pete’s delivery and catering model seems to be matched only by the buzz around its menu.

“People are used to only being able to have fajitas in a sit-down setting where you might wait 45 minutes to sit down and another 45 minutes to eat,” notes Gajjar. “But at Fajita Pete’s, you get the exact same quality fajitas, plus convenience.” 

“You can’t find food like this, in such a convenient model, anywhere near this price point,” agrees Fontana. 

“Most restaurants today are trying to adapt to delivery,” Humphrey points out. “Fajita Pete’s is designed for delivery. We are ready to come out swinging.”

Community involvement  

While each Fajita Pete’s restaurant creates its own unique impression on the surrounding community, the brand has become known as embodying what it means to “give back.”

“When we started Fajita Pete’s, we focused on a menu that brought people together,” Mora recalls. “We are proud to honor this community spirit by giving back whenever we can.”

All four franchisees have already begun drafting plans to get involved with community organizations.

“We love the idea of bringing a great idea like Fajita Pete’s to great communities,” declares Fontana. “When I think of West Texas, I think of good-hearted people who take care of their neighbors, who take the time to say hello. That’s the kind of relationship we want each of our restaurants to have with its customers.” 

About Fajita Pete’s

Unapologetically designed for off-premise dining, Fajita Pete’s is a natural category disrupter amongst Tex-Mex and takeout alike. This streamlined fan-favorite fajita concept has an open and awarded pipeline of over 100 units across Texas, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas and Arizona. For press inquiries, contact marketing@fajitapetes.com or learn more at franchisefajitapetes.com.