Franchising

UT alum opening Fajita Pete's in Austin

Fajita Pete's celebrates its Austin pre-opening by giving $2,500 to an area charity that supports college preparedness. Provided

February 17, 2022

Since 2020, Austin has grown by half a million residents, making it the perfect city for Fajita Pete's, according to franchisee Michael Blalock, a University of Texas graduate.

"In Austin, there's a spirit of adventure and a real need for great takeout and delivery options," said Blalock, citing just a few of the reasons he chose to champion the Austin location. "Fajita Pete's was a family favorite for years before I franchised."

Blalock's first Austin location is open at 5523A Balcones Dr., and he has five others in the works and long-term plans for a dozen or more, according to a company press release.

Why fajitas?

Many consider fajitas a time-consuming and strictly sit-down experience (complete with sizzling skillet) but when Pedro "Pete" Mora founded Fajita Pete's in 2008, he slashed the notoriously complex Tex-Mex menu to streamline operations for takeout, delivery and catering.

"At Fajita Pete's, it's not about flair. It's about quality and convenience. Period," Mora in the release.

In keeping with Fajita Pete's tradition, Blalock wasted no time connecting with the Austin community.

Four days before officially opening, Fajita Pete's donated $2,500 to the Neighborhood Longhorns Program, which offers college scholarships to economically disadvantaged students. The store also pledged 100 meals to feed the entire staff at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Austin.

"Being part of Fajita Pete's has been a blast, with a lot of hard work and incredibly rewarding interactions," Blalock said. "And a lot of queso for me on a personal level."

Houston-based Fajita Pete's has 25 locations.