IMAGE: Fajita Pete’s
Three multi-unit investors are spearheading the brand’s ongoing expansion.
Fajita Pete’s, a QSR concept known for ‘fresh off the grill’ fajita delivery, is aggressively expanding throughout Texas with 15 new franchise locations signed by three experienced franchisees. Five of the sites will open in Austin (a new market for the brand), with a further five in Dallas and five in Houston.
“Fajita Pete’s is attracting a lot of attention from potential franchisees because our proven business model has seen the brand not only survive but thrive during the pandemic,” said Fajita Pete’s founder and CEO, Pedro “Pete” Mora. “With these latest signings, our expansion plan has exceeded our expectations. We also have more locations in the pipeline, both inside and outside of Texas, that we plan to announce soon.”
Founded in 2008, Fajita Pete’s has become something of a local favorite thanks to its simple fajita menu and award-winning margaritas. Each location now offers curbside pickup, delivery, catering, and limited dine-in, and the brand’s low cost of entry and smaller-scale restaurants have been driving ongoing development.
Michael Blalock is the brand’s multi-unit franchisee for Austin, and is opening is his first location in Clear Lake in early 2021.
“The catering and delivery model is strong now and will continue to be in the future, and the passionate Fajita Pete’s team is committed to serving consistent, high-quality food,” Blalock said. “My wife and I are proud University of Texas alumni, and we are very familiar with the Austin market. We see the concept fitting right in with the local vibe because of the team’s deep pride in the food and love of the brand – it’s not just another quick-service restaurant.”
Blalock is joined by Houston food influencer Anthony Compofelice, who has already opened his first location in The Woodlands, Houston. Compofelice will open a further four restaurants over the next four years.
“I travel the world doing food tours on behalf of various organizations, and I’m blown away by what I’ve found in my own backyard with Fajita Pete’s,” said Compofelice. “Houston has the fastest-growing ZIP codes in the nation, and the concept makes sense from both an operational and a food quality standpoint.”
Finally, Hugh Guill will expand Fajita Pete’s Dallas footprint, and has already opened his first site at 4441 Lovers Lane. He will open four additional locations at Oak Lawn, North Dallas, Plano, and Lakewood over the next three years.
“I was looking for a simple, low-overhead food concept to invest in, and then fell in love with Fajita Pete’s – not just the brand but also the people and the food,” Guill said. “I have gone from being an investor in the brand to supporting the corporate team with their marketing and training efforts because I wholeheartedly believe in this concept and want Fajita Pete’s to be in the conversation when people decide where they’re going to pick up food for themselves and their families.”
Thanks to developments like these three, Fajita Pete’s plans to expand its restaurant count from 16 to 51 over the next three to four years. Plans are already underway for the first location outside of Texas in Kansas City, with other markets and states being reviewed for future developments.
