Pancheros Recognizes Two-Time Franchisee of the Year Honoree, Davis Fresh-Mex

October 01, 2026 // Franchising.com // Coralville, IA — Pancheros Mexican Grilll—the Iowa-based fresh-Mex brand known for its Burritos Better Built, creamy queso and fresh-pressed tortillas—is celebrating Davis Fresh-Mex as its 2026 Franchisee of the Year, marking the group’s second time receiving the honor in just three years. Led by industry veteran Dick Davis, his son, Joseph Davis and their operating partner, Kim Schoening, Davis Fresh-Mex is a top-performing, multi-unit Pancheros franchisee and the exclusive operator of all Pancheros restaurants throughout Missouri. The award, which was presented during Pancheros’ annual Franchise Conference, recognizes the team’s commitment to operational excellence, the guest experience and continued growth of the brand.

A longtime franchise operator with previous experience with Taco Bell, KFC and Huddle House, Dick Davis joined the Pancheros franchise system in 2023, acquiring all four existing restaurants in the Missouri market. Since then, he has continued creating strong guest experiences and growing the business alongside his partners Joseph and Kim. Today, Davis Fresh-Mex has expanded to now operate seven restaurants across Missouri, with three new locations opening in Rolla, Springfield and most recently, Lebanon, MO in the past 18 months alone. Together, the team has continued to build on the foundation established in 2023 while expanding Pancheros’ presence in key communities across the state.

“Davis Fresh-Mex has continued to raise the bar for what strong franchise leadership looks like,” said Rodney Anderson, President and Founder of Pancheros. “Dick has built a team that knows how to take care of its guests while creating successful restaurants that are engaged in the community. Their growth over the past year has been impressive, and we are excited to recognize them as our Franchisee of the Year for the second time and celebrate the impact they continue to make on the Pancheros brand.” In 2026, the Davis Fresh-Mex restaurants delivered strong results across several key areas, including +8.8% sales growth and +28.04% in digital sales across all seven restaurants, as well as a staggering top restaurant sales growth at +20.39%. Separately, compared to the system average of a 26.06% loyalty participation rate, Davis Fresh-Mex is seeing a 31.10% rate across their entire restaurant portfolio.

Davis Fresh-Mex has also implemented second-make lines to improve operational efficiencies and support digital sales growth at all locations. Additionally, as Missouri State University alumni, the Davises are proud supporters of local campuses and university athletics programs in all their Missouri communities. These results highlight the factors powering Dick and his team’s continued growth throughout Missouri and the team’s focus on delivering a strong experience for Pancheros guests.

“We’re incredibly proud to be named Pancheros’ Franchisee of the Year for a second time,” said Dick Davis. “This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team, especially our operations team, who work every day to keep our restaurants running at their best. Since joining Pancheros, we have seen great opportunity to grow the brand in Missouri, and we’ve always believed in the brand and the experience it delivers to our guests. I’m so proud of what we have and will continue to accomplish together.”

Beyond the success of their restaurants, Davis Fresh-Mex continues to strengthen Pancheros’ presence in communities across Missouri. Davis and his team have remained active in supporting their communities, with an emphasis on building local connections and growing catering opportunities for Pancheros. As their portfolio continues to grow, the group remains focused on building strong relationships within the community while bringing the simple and delicious Pancheros experience to more Missourians than ever before.

SOURCE Pancheros

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