Pancheros Mexican Grill Recognizes Connecticut Owner With “Franchisee of the Year” Award

SHELTON, Conn. – Lou Kathrakis, owner of Pancheros Mexican Grill in Shelton, Connecticut, was recently named “Franchisee of the Year” for his unwavering commitment to his restaurant, valued guests and community at the brand’s first annual franchisee conference in Chicago in late September.

Awarded annually to a franchisee who demonstrates strong sales performance, significant year-over-year growth, high customer satisfaction, contribution to the Pancheros brand awareness and dedication to the menu’s principle of simplicity, Kathrakis earned the 2018 “Franchisee of the Year” award. In addition to his award, Kathrakis also made brand history for being the first individual to earn the recognition more than once, after winning it previously in 2011.

“To me, this is certainly a team honor and team trophy,” said Kathrakis. “The restaurant continues to be successful because we have the right people on board – in terms of delivering customer service in a way that drives sales growth, this team is the complete package and I couldn’t do it without them.”

Since opening his restaurant in 2007 at 704 Bridgeport Ave. in Shelton, Connecticut, Kathrakis has consistently played a hands-on role as an owner-operator at his restaurant. In fact, Kathrakis continues to sit in on every employee interview. The restaurant now employs more than 30 people, of whom Kathrakis personally hired.

During the conference award luncheon, Pancheros Founder and CEO Rodney Anderson recognized Kathrakis as having set the “top standard” for franchisees throughout the Pancheros system.

“When determining who from our franchise system should be awarded this year’s honor, Lou stood out as the top performer,” said Rodney Anderson, founder and CEO of Pancheros. “Lou’s restaurant is a strong example of an outstanding Pancheros franchise location and we hope his recognized achievements will serve as an inspiration for our entire franchise network. I want to thank Lou as he continues to uphold our core values and serve as not only a wonderful part of franchise system, but as a true brand ambassador for the past 11 years.”

The brand’s pursuit to build the perfect burrito dates back to 1992, when Pancheros founder Rodney Anderson opened the doors of his first restaurant in downtown Iowa City, Iowa. Since then, the brand has grown into 13 states with approximately 70 locations.

Over the years, Pancheros has gained a loyal fan following. The concept stands apart from other big-name burrito concepts because of its quality ingredients, faster service and better burritos. However, almost anyone would agree the most distinguishing factors for Pancheros are its innovations – the fresh-pressed tortillas and proprietary ingredient mixing spatula, BOB the Tool.

About Pancheros

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 it’s 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 approximately 70 locations across 13 states.

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