Pancheros was founded in Iowa City in 1992.

Rodney Anderson sought out to have a fresh take on the Chicago taquerias he grew up with. The menu was simplified over the years and fresh-pressed tortillas were introduced.

Pancheros employees operate The Fresh Presser 7000 transforming a ball of dough into a tortilla and Bob the Tool® to mix every ingredient into every bite when preparing each made-to-order meal.

The original location still operates today, serving business people, visitors and students in downtown Iowa City.

Over the last 30 plus years the restaurant — which has its corporate headquarters based in Coralville — has grown to over 70 locations in 13 states across the country and Anderson continues to serve as the president of the company.

The fast-casual restaurant is a favorite for its late night hours, fresh-pressed tortillas and flavorful queso, all resulting in “Burritos Better Built.”

Their app has more than 600,000 loyalty members that receive exclusive coupons and have the ability to order ahead.

Prior to its days and as a restaurant serving up Fresh-Mex on the corner of South Clinton Street and East Washington was originally the Whetstone’s Drugstore from 1880 until the 1970s.

For over a century the big picture windows facing the Pentacrest have been a favorite view by a countless number of people.

As Pancheros has continued to expand across the country they’ve kept building a strong following at home.

This can be best experienced during a game at historic Kinnick Stadium or inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena as at a button press thousands of Iowa Hawkeye fans raise to their feet and have a tradition unlike any other — the Pancheros Burrito Lift.