Episode Player
Ep. 62: Quesadilla Gorilla
Retail Intel
Chapters
0:00
People-First Culture And Values
0:47
Meet Miguel And The Origin Story
2:28
The Tortilla As A Blank Canvas
4:13
Breakthroughs: Real Estate, Catering, Bar Program
6:30
Crafting A Brand People Wear
8:03
Media Boost And Ambassador Strategy
9:43
Founder Balance And Building A Team
11:23
Franchising Strategy And Ideal Partners
13:26
Consistency Versus Innovation On Menu
15:07
Footprint, Markets, And Expansion Plans
17:02
Real Estate Lessons And Site Criteria
19:01
Who The Core Customer Is
19:58
Five-Year Vision And Franchise Fund
22:02
Advice To First-Time Restaurateurs
26:20
Closing And Where To Connect
Retail Intel
Ep. 62: Quesadilla Gorilla
Oct 24, 2025
Season 1
Episode 62
Phillips Edison and Company
What happens when a chef treats a tortilla like a canvas and a restaurant like a community lab? Miguel Reyes, cofounder of Quesadilla Gorilla, shares how a tiny Fresno storefront grew into a franchise-ready brand rooted in scratch cooking, playful specials, and authentic connection. We unpack the systems behind consistent quality, the menu philosophy that balances tradition with experimentation, and the real estate strategy that favors grocery-anchored centers over drive-thrus. If you're curious about scaling with soul, Miguel’s transparent roadmap, from focused margaritas to franchisee-led marketing is packed with insights.