Willy’s Mexicana Grill, the Atlanta-based fresh Mex restaurant, opened its first restaurant in Gainesville, Fla. this week.
The fast casual concept was started by Willy Bitter, an entrepreneur who fell in love with California-style burritos after living in San Francisco and visiting the Mission District in the 1990s. He brought the idea for a new style of Mexican restaurants back to Atlanta and opened his first Willy’s Mexicana Grill in 1995. Growing slowly and steadily, with 19 restaurants presently in the metro Atlanta area and Athens, Ga., Bitter is excited to expand out of state for the first time.
“Everyone who knows us knows that we have been in no hurry to expand because we want to make sure each and every location is the right fit,†Bitter said. “This Gainesville opportunity was too good to pass up with a perfect location on Archer Road and a strong management team that values our commitment to hiring the best people and delivering a great experience to our guests every time.â€
The Gainesville Willy’s is run by Operating Partner Carl Hoover and Alex Gonzalez, who serves as director of operations. Both Hoover and Gonzalez have extensive experience in the restaurant industry. Hoover grew up in the business, helping his father with a family franchise operation that owns and operates Wendy’s and Hilton Hotels. Gonzalez has worked with Hoover for more than 10 years and recently obtained his law degree from the University of Florida.
A grand-opening celebration for the new Gainesville location is planned for early 2012.
