Today we’d like to introduce you to Miguel Reyes.
Hi Miguel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Quesadilla Gorilla was founded by myself and my wife, Mikayla Reyes. Quesadilla Gorilla specializes in unique quesadillas, built from scratch with quality ingredients. Our first location opened in Downtown Visalia, California in 2013, when I was 21 and Mikayla was 19.
We met as coworkers in a restaurant, I was running the back of the house and Mikayla running the front of the house. When the opportunity became available to open a spot of our own in our own downtown, we jumped on it. We wanted to do something different and unique, something that we had never seen done before. We wanted to create an environment where the employees and the customers mattered. To provide a space where people could come and build relationships, internally and externally. Quesadillas are just their vessel to achieve this.
Growing up food is what brought us together, so when we opened QG that’s what we wanted for others, too. If there wasn’t much in the fridge, there was always, no matter what, cheese and tortillas. We went all in on this crazy unique idea: a fast-casual restaurant that specializes in one thing only… quesadillas! At the time, it felt like everyone was doing pizza, burgers, or tacos. But where were the quesadillas?
We took this simple concept and made it our own. We brought in recipes from both of our families and created a “Build Your Own Quesadilla” menu, where everything on the menu is made fresh and from scratch, just like when they were growing up. We also introduced the “Dilla of the Day”, where we would feature different unique specials that customers could try.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s definitely been a bumpy ride! As with any new start-up, we have gone through so many ups and downs. There are MANY memories that come to mind with this question. Just as a few examples:
In 2017, we opened 2 more locations in our neighboring city Fresno, CA. One of the Fresno locations did great, and the other one did not. About 1 year later, we had to close our downtown Fresno location. It was a hard choice but ultimately was the right one for the company.
In early 2020, we had just started the process of signing our 3rd location lease in Hanford, as well as getting our 4th location set up in Three Rivers. During this time, the world was hit with Covid-19. We had to quickly adjust how we could maintain our current locations, take care of our staff and customers, and also control our growth in a very unstable environment.
The pandemic absolutely took a toll on us, but thankfully we were able to bounce back and continue serving dillas to our community, while still opening more locations. (All of this was happening also while Mikayla was pregnant with our second child).
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Quesadilla Gorilla was founded by Miguel and Mikayla Reyes. Quesadilla Gorilla specializes in unique quesadillas, built from scratch with quality ingredients. The restaurant opened in Downtown Visalia, California in 2013, when Miguel was 21 and Mikayla was 19. They met as coworkers in a restaurant and quickly fell for each other. Miguel ran to the back of the house and Mikayla ran to the front of the house. When the opportunity became available to open a spot of their own in their downtown, they jumped on it. They wanted to do something different and new, something that they had never seen done before. Both grew up in Hispanic homes, and food is what brought their families together.
When they opened Quesadilla Gorilla, that’s what they wanted for others, too. They went all in on this crazy unique idea: a fast-casual restaurant that specializes in one thing only, quesadillas. They took this simple concept and made it their own. They brought in recipes from both of their families and created a “Build Your Own Quesadilla” menu, where everything on the menu was made fresh and from scratch. They also wanted to create an environment where the employees and the customers mattered. To create a space where people could come together and build relationships, both internally and externally. Quesadillas were just the vessel to achieve this. Each store is crafted to provide a welcoming and comfortable space for everyone. Whether it’s a first date, a quick lunch stop, or a family outing, this space is your space.
Since opening in 2013, Quesadilla Gorilla has opened 7 store fronts with only more growth on the horizon, making it the fastest-growing quesadilla company in the nation. In 2019, Quesadilla Gorilla was mentioned in Fortune Magazine for its achievement of becoming the 3rd Fastest Growing Inner City Business in America. Quesadilla Gorilla was founded on three main things: Peace, Love, and Dillas.
No matter how big the brand becomes, Quesadilla Gorilla is a family-owned business and is proud to contribute to the livelihoods of its local franchise partners, communities, and staff. With each new location, Quesadilla Gorilla will strive harder than ever to fulfill its mission of bringing family and friends together with Peace, Love, and Dillas.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Since we have started franchising this year, the next 5-10 years look very promising for us. In the next 5 years, we plan to have 75 locations, and in 10 years 150 locations. Our concept will stay the same, but we hope to reach a much wider audience throughout the next 10 years.
Contact Info:
- Website: quesadillagorilla.com
- Instagram: @quesadillagorilla
- Facebook: Quesadilla Gorilla
- Linkedin: Quesadilla Gorilla, Inc.
