Q&A: Keith and Michael

Give a brief summary of your background: where is your experience and what are your passions?  

Keith: My passion is customer service. I grew up in the food service industry, helping my mama for as long as I can remember. As a result, I grew up with a passion for taking care of people. You can have a great idea and a great product, but if you don’t take care of people, you don’t have anything. 

For the last 20 years, from Sonic to Qdoba and now to Fajita Pete’s, that’s why I’ve always been about customer relationships. To start with nothing and create meaningful relationships with the people in a community, that’s the real opportunity. 

Michael: I was raised by my grandparents and started as a carhop at Sonic. To me, I look at any restaurant and no matter the reputation, good or bad, I see the potential for a place that people count on for good food. That’s my passion. 

How did you discover Fajita Pete’s?

Keith: Fajita Pete’s drew me in because it’s Texas-born and a real vehicle for growth. I’m born and raised in Texas. I see so many great ideas coming out of Texas, and I knew that Fajita Pete’s would appeal to people all over Texas. 

Michael: We have years of experience with established nationwide brands. Fajita Pete’s is our chance to use our expertise to grow a brand and be part of something that is about to explode nationwide. 

What excites you most about the journey with Fajita Pete’s?

Keith: We looked at countless franchise opportunities over a span of several years. We could tell from our research that Fajita Pete’s was an untapped market with a great idea. But before we get involved with any franchise, we always try the food unannounced. And I can tell you that what sticks out about Fajita Pete’s is the food. 

Michael: For a lot of other concepts, the markets are saturated. 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. That’s one of the things that makes the opportunity so exciting. There is almost unlimited potential to grow. 

What do you think will surprise your communities about Fajita Pete’s?

Keith: Some of the best Tex-Mex I have ever had has been at the Mom and Pop restaurants that no one has ever heard of. That’s the level of quality and care we are aiming for, with a delivery concept that makes people’s lives easier. 

Honestly, I think one of the things that will surprise people is just how good the food is. You can’t find food like this, in such a convenient model, anywhere near this price point.

Michael: I think most, if not all, restaurants today are trying to evolve and adapt to delivery. Fajita Pete’s is designed for delivery. That’s where we have the advantage. We are ready to come out swinging.

Tell me a little bit about the communities you’re coming to. 

Keith: We love the idea of bringing a great idea like Fajita Pete’s to great communities. 

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 to have with our communities. 

Michael: One of the biggest things we get to do as business owners is to give back to the communities we are in. Being from a small community and getting to be part of making a big difference—it’s humbling. 

What’s your vision for your stores? 

Keith: That’s one of the cool things about our menu. We can be your bite for lunch or your wedding caterer. My vision is to be the neighborhood go-to.

Michael: Families are the heart of every community. When you are at a Little League game, we want to be there. When you’re at a soccer game, we want to be there. We want to show up for the families in our communities from day one. 

The last few years have been trying for a lot of towns. People are ready to see their town bounce back, to get better and grow. I think right now, people are rooting for businesses. The rest is up to us.