It is a busy year for franchisees of the Mexican chain.
From recent reports, Mexican chain Pancheros will debut two new Illinois restaurants this year in a move that signals Midwest growth for the company. Franchise company Mex Midwest is behind the Princeton and Sterling locations. Opening dates have not been set, but Princeton is expected to debut this summer, and Sterling in the fall.
According to Corridor Business Journal, the franchisees behind the new Pancheros are Jeremy Music and Rob Bowers. Music has experience with brands such as Scooters Coffee, Wingstop, Jersey Mike’s and Small Sliders. When What Now Chicago reached out to Music and Bowers, they were not available for comment.
Pancheros has locations across 12 states, including in Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Currently, Illinois restaurants include Moline, Peoria, Quincy and Rockford. The original location debuted in 1992 in Iowa City.
The chain is known for burritos, bowls, tacos and quesadillas. Their website also advertises fresh-pressed tortillas as a favorite menu item. For smaller portions, chips and queso or salsa are offered, as well as salads topped with grilled meats or beans.
The new restaurants follow a trend of Pancheros staging in the middle and west side of northern Illinois. Mex Midwest is evaluating an additional location, and it isn’t confirmed if this will also be in Illinois. Both cities are about a two-hour drive from downtown Chicago.
For more information on Pancheros and future Illinois locations, visit their website.
