Iowa City Pancheros reopens with new model features to enhance digital ordering

IOWA CITY — The Pancheros Mexican Grill on Riverside Drive has reopened after several months of renovations.

The location, 965 S. Riverside Drive, opened its doors on March 11 for the first time since August — just in time for its 25th anniversary.

To celebrate, Pancheros fans can score a week of $1 burritos using code “DOLLARSIDE” in the restaurant’s app, while supplies last. The promotion starts Tuesday, March 18 and will be available for up to 1,000 burritos.

The new space has been reconfigured with more square footage to offer a second service line, additional parking for pickup orders and new features in a refurbished interior.

With about 30 percent of its sales coming from online orders across its restaurants, the brand has made digital ordering a top priority — all enhanced by the renovation’s new features. The model will be implemented at Pancheros across the country to streamline ordering and decrease wait times.

“Our brand is rooted in this community, and we could not be more excited to welcome back our loyal customers at Riverside Drive,” said Rodney Anderson, Pancheros president and founder. “With enhanced systems and operations in place, as well as a new look and feel, we are more prepared than ever to better serve our guests and ultimately offer locals an improved experience at the same location they have been visiting for decades.”

The fast-casual Mexican restaurant was founded in Iowa City in 1992. Today, it has 76 locations across 13 states, thanks to a franchise program.

Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.

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