Pancheros, the Iowa City-based fast-service burrito restaurant chain, has named Joe Gale the company’s new director of franchise development.
Mr. Gale will lead the company’s franchise expansion strategy, aimed at growing the Pancheros footprint in targeted U.S. regions, according to a news release.
An Iowa City resident, Mr. Gale brings more than 20 years of relevant restaurant industry experience to the position. He spent the past two-plus decades with Coca-Cola, guiding sales directly with franchise brands and restaurant franchise owners. He has worked with multi-unit franchise operators in more than 20 states, managed sales relationships that included national and regional regional chains such as Dairy Queen, Arby’s, Popeyes and IHOP.
“I have witnessed this amazing brand become a national leader in the fast-casual space being so close to it for so many years,” Mr. Gale said. “I’ve always admired how Pancheros has carved out its place at the top of the category and I couldn’t be more proud to join the company. As a life-long Pancheros fan, I’m honored to be part of the team. I look forward to propelling growth in the near and long terms.”
Panchero’s continues to expand, with openings coming soon in Peoria and Moline, Illinois; Bismarck, North Dakota; and Cherry Hills, New Jersey. More multi-unit deals are on the horizon, according to the news release.
Pahcheros founder Rodney Anderson opened the first Pancheros restaurant in downtown Iowa City, Iowa, and now has approximately 70 locations in 13 states.
To learn about franchising opportunities with Pancheros, visit https://franchise.pancheros.com/.
