News
May 9th, 2007
Scottsdale, Arizona
Growth Plans Are On The Horizon For Z-Tejas Southwestern Grill As It Announces New Ownership
Z'Tejas Southwestern Grill was acquired by a group of investors that include members of the restaurant's management team, Paul Fleming Restaurants LLC and other private-equity investors. The ownership change will allow the 10-unit concept to continue growth of its brand with a new location scheduled to open in Austin this fall.
Z'Tejas was founded in 1989, opening its first location in Austin, TX. Founders included Guy Villavaso, Lany Foles, Paul Fleming and a group of other private investors. Co-creators, Guy Villavaso and Larry Foles, decided to sell their ownership interest in order to focus on their other growing concepts.
Villavaso hired Z'Tejas' Chief Executive, Steven Micheletti, in 2003 to help poise the company for growth. "Steven has brought direction and focus to the concept It is performing better than ever with increases in comp sales for the past sixteen quarters," states Villavaso. "Larry and I were comfortable selling our shares knowing that Z'Tejas will continue to stay true to the vision we created 18 years ago. With Steven and Paul retaining equity in the company, they will continue to keep Z'Tejas focused on its core values."
Z'Tejas is positioned for growth with a highly qualified executive team, including Man Wickesberg as CFO and equity partner and Jack Gilmore, Corporate Chef and Z'Tejas veteran for over 18 years. Frank Ziska, formally from PF Changs, has joined the executive team to support Z'Tejas' real estate development program. Cater Schiff will be providing project management direction. Schiff was most recently Vice President of Construction for Rare Hospitality.
The newest location opening this fall will mark the third Z'Tejas in Austin and eleventh for the concept "We're poised up for growth with a strong executive and management team I credit much of the success to the dedicated team members and restaurant managers who provide our guests with indulgent service each and every shift and have for years. We are fortunate to have very low management turnover. That's rare in out industry," states Micheletti
Z'Tejas is actively searching for prime locations in existing and new markets "The new ownership will allow us to expand Z'Tejas has been a tremendous success story and our intention is to continue to build upon this success. Our guests can still expect the same great food and margaritas that have kept Z'Tejas going strong for nearly two decades," continues Micheletti. Z'Tejas draws menu inspiration from Louisiana delta, the Texas Hill County, the Rio Grande area, the desert southwest and the Asian-influenced Pacific Coast. Signature dishes include Catfish Beignets, Cast-Iron Skillet Dumplings and Miso Salmon. The concept is also well known for its award-winning Chambord Margaritas New dishes are introduced throughout the year that allows our chefto utilize fresh and seasonal ingredients This year, Executive Chef Jack Gilmore, added Ancho Bourbon Beef Tenderloin, as well as Jack's Five Cheese Macaroni and Chicken, all with the potential to become a permanent menu offering.
Z'Tejas has ten units with two locations in Austin, Texas, four in Phoenix, Arizona, and one in Salt Lake City, Utah, Bellevue, Washington, Las Vegas, Nevada and Costa Mesa, California, accordingly. The corporate office is located in Scottsdale, AZ.