94-Year-Old Multi-Unit Mogul Opens Sixth Pancheros Mexican Grill in Greater Twin Cities Area

APPLE VALLEY, Minn. – Pancheros Mexican Grill announced today that multi-unit franchisee, Bob Thomson, will open the doors to his sixth Pancheros restaurant. The new shop will be located in Apple Valley at 14750 Cedar Ave, Suite 150.

Over the years, Pancheros has earned a loyal following for redefining the standards of a burrito. Pancheros has fresh-pressed tortillas and uses a unique spatula to tear down the walls that once stood between the meat, rice, beans and salsas, yielding burritos that are better built. In addition to burritos, the fast-casual restaurant serves burrito bowls, tacos, quesadillas, and salads. It has also earned popularity for its chips and queso and unique limited-time offerings.

“While this isn’t my first, second or third location in the area, the Apple Valley location marks a significant homecoming of sorts. We have brought on board, Tony Guo, a 2020 graduate of the University of Minnesota as part of our team.” Said Bob Thomson, owner of Pancheros Mexican Grill Apple Valley. Bob and Tony share an affinity not just as U of M alums, but also a passion for entrepreneurship. Both share insights and energy with one another, Bob’s rooted in decades of business success and Tony’s rooted in academic achievements at the Carlson School of Business.

Originally working with the Iowa Chamber of Commerce, Thomson grew up in Winona, MN and after spending most of his career in Iowa, returning to Minnesota has been a great joy and he’s worked to build up the local community. Bringing more restaurants to the area, Thomson creates jobs and a destination for locals to satisfy their queso craving. Thomson brings more than 40 years of restaurant ownership experience to his new restaurant. At 94 years of age, Thomson aims to open more locations in the area.

The new Apple Valley restaurant marks the sixth Pancheros for multi-unit owner Thomson, who also operates the Pancheros in Arden Hills, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Fridley and Golden Valley alongside Craig Noah, director of operations. It is the eighth location in Minnesota, adding to the more than 60 units across the country.

“The new opening in Apple Valley is not only a huge milestone for Bob and his team, but also for the Pancheros brand,” said Rodney Anderson, founder and CEO of Pancheros Mexican Grill. “Under Bob and Craig’s leadership, Pancheros in Apple Valley is set up for success, and we look forward to celebrating their continued growth.”

The brand’s pursuit to build the perfect burrito dates back to 1992 when Pancheros founder Rodney Anderson opened the doors to his first restaurant in downtown Iowa City, Iowa.

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 its 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 nearly 70 locations across 13 states.

All Franchise News »

Popular Industries

Find a Franchise