Moe's Southwest Grill owner on Undercover Boss tonight (01-18-13). 8 PM on CBS. (Pittsburgh: buy, schools)

[jay5835]

Isn't Moe's a local chain? Does anyone remember when Moe used to respond here when people said they didn't like his food? The only one I knew of was in Market Square, and their chicken had the texture of pencil shavings. Two of the worst meals of my life. I guess it's more national than Market Square Moe let on.

Welcome to Moes | Moes Southwest Grill

[greg42]

It's not a local chain. The boss on the show is the president of the franchising entity, based in Atlanta.

Because Moe's is franchised, the local stores do have a local owner (generally true of most franchises, but sometimes franchisees are allowed to grow pretty large). I believe it's the same owner for several local stores (Robinson, Cranberry, Market Square, probably a couple more).

[sparrowmint]

Wikipedia says it's a Georgia-based chain, has 400 or so locations. Never heard of it, so I guess I'm living in a bubble (and yet probably not missing much).

[UKyank]

Personally I think Moe's is terrible - though i've only ever been to the one in Market Square, so maybe its that location.

[Mugatu]

Nah, Moe's has nothing to do with Pittsburgh, other than that they have some local franchises here. It's a national chain. I haven't eaten at one up here, but they were pretty good down in Florida. I ate there quite a bit and enjoyed it. It's disappointing to hear the one in Market Square apparently sucks.

[TheYO]

I went to the one out in Robinson last week. It was ok. Pretty much the same as all the other burrito places like Chipotle and Qdoba. It was a little more expensive than the other two, but they do give you free chips and the salsa bar was nice.

I'd take authentic Mexican food over it any day, and that's something Pittsburgh is severely lacking.

[Sideblinded]

I had no idea (I actually typoed mo idea first) that chain exsisted and was surprised they had franchises in Pittsburgh. Do they do any advertising?

[Pghuser]

Chipolte is better anyway

[IamMoe]

Hey all - Mike from Moe's. I haven't disappeared...just try to keep my opinions out of the way and respond to questions/comments as they arise (Google Alerts are a great tool). Greg42 is correct, Moe's is a national concept that is franchised. Along with my partner, I own the 5 locations in Pittsburgh. In terms of being locally based or providing benefit to the Pittsburgh area...I pay a 5% royalty to the Franchisor (who you saw on the show), the other 95% stays here in Pittsburgh. We source produce from a local company - Monteverdes, and buy from local farms when seasonally possible. So yes, a large concept in total scope, however, just two local Pittsburgh guys that put up the money and going to work every day to grow our business on the local level.

I do very little advertising in the traditional sense of billboards, radio, and TV commercials. The vast majority of my marketing budget is allocated to local schools, churches, community, and sports programs. There will be some national TV ad programs starting later this year for the first time ever and I'm actually jumping into a sponsorship with the Pirates this year as well.

Lastly...Jay5835...since our last exchange, we have made a complete conversion to a new chicken grilling process. We now cut the breast pieces post grilling instead of before hitting the grill. I think you would be pleasantly surprised with the texture compared to prior.

Thanks for your time and feedback. Positive or Negative, it is all a valuable tool to improve what we do.

[Bong477]

Moes > qdoba > Chipotle imo