More Than Just Kebabs: The Story Behind PINCHO's Award-Winning Flavors

Welcome back to the blog! In this post, we're diving deeper into the story of PINCHO, a brand that has taken the fast-casual dining scene by storm with its vibrant Latin flavors and award-winning burgers. But PINCHO is more than just a delicious meal; it's a story of family, passion, culinary expertise, and smart business strategy. It all started with a mother's kebab recipe and evolved into a multi-unit brand with locations across Florida and expansion on the horizon. If you enjoyed our recent episode, From Mom's Kitchen To A Multi-Unit Brand | Season 8, Vol. 26, you'll love this deep dive into the history and ethos of PINCHO. We'll explore how PINCHO was built from the ground up.

The Origins of PINCHO: A Slang Term with a Family History

The name "PINCHO" itself holds a special significance. In Latin American Spanish, "pincho" is a slang term for a kebab or a small piece of food served on a skewer. This simple yet evocative name pays homage to the dish that started it all: Otto Othman's mother's kebab recipe. It was this very recipe, passed down through generations, that sparked the idea for PINCHO. The name is instantly accessible, memorable, and indicative of the restaurant's core offering. It also hints at the brand's Latin American roots and the vibrant flavors that define its menu. The restaurant quickly became a local favorite. PINCHO’s with ten existing locations in Florida now is expanding to Texas. The restaurant has won several awards for the best burger.

Otto Othman's Journey: From Tech to Latin Street Food

Otto Othman, the CEO and co-founder of PINCHO, has a background that might surprise you. He wasn't always in the restaurant business. Othman's journey began in the world of technology. He was born and raised in Brazil and moved to the United States when he was sixteen. He spent years as a software developer and later transitioned into design and advertising. Prior to PINCHO, he was a creative director for a large advertising agency.

However, Othman's connection to the hospitality industry ran deep. He had previously worked with some of Miami's biggest nightclubs and restaurants, branding them and creating marketing campaigns. This experience ignited his passion for hospitality and ultimately led him to take the leap and create his own restaurant concept. This unique blend of tech savvy and hospitality experience would prove to be a powerful combination in building PINCHO.

The Culinary Expertise: Why PINCHO Hired a Chef from Day One

Many fast-casual restaurants prioritize speed and efficiency, sometimes at the expense of culinary excellence. PINCHO took a different approach. From the very beginning, Otto Othman recognized the importance of having a dedicated culinary expert on board.

That's why, even when PINCHO was just a single-store operation, they hired a director of culinary. Adrian Sanchez, the talented chef who took on this role, is still with PINCHO today. Sanchez is the mastermind behind all of PINCHO's signature sauces and plays a crucial role in developing new menu items and ensuring the consistent quality of the food.

This commitment to culinary expertise has been a key differentiator for PINCHO. It allows them to create unique and flavorful dishes that stand out from the competition. It also ensures that the food is prepared with care and attention to detail, even in a fast-casual setting. Othman says, “We were smart enough early on to bring on the director of culinary when we had one store. So we are the fast-casual and had a chef since store number one. That really played a huge huge role. Adrian Sanchez is currently still with today, he is our director of culinary. He's an incredible incredible incredible chef and he is the guy behind all of the sauce."

Flavor, Culture, and Passion: PINCHO's Core Values

PINCHO's success is built on a foundation of three core values: flavor, culture, and passion. These values guide every aspect of the business, from menu development to employee training to community engagement.

Flavor

Flavor is paramount at PINCHO. It's not just about creating food that tastes good; it's about creating an explosion of flavor that excites the palate and leaves a lasting impression. This commitment to flavor is evident in every dish, from the signature kebabs to the award-winning burgers to the flavorful sauces that tie it all together.

Culture

Culture is another key ingredient in PINCHO's recipe for success. This refers to both the internal culture within the company and the external culture of the communities they serve. PINCHO strives to create a positive and supportive work environment for its employees, fostering a sense of teamwork and camaraderie. They also make a conscious effort to be an active and engaged member of the communities they operate in, participating in local events and supporting local causes. Othman adds, “if you're not passionate about hospitality, you shouldn't be in this game. It's not an easy gig. You got to have passion for serving people, you have to have passion for inviting folks into your home but internally as a team, we have to have passion about everything that we do.”

Passion

Passion is the driving force behind everything PINCHO does. Otto Othman and his team are passionate about food, about hospitality, and about creating a memorable experience for every guest. This passion is contagious and permeates every level of the organization, from the kitchen staff to the front-of-house team. If you're not passionate about hospitality, you shouldn't be in this game. It's not an easy gig. You got to have passion for serving people, you have to have passion for inviting folks into your home but internally as a team, we have to have passion about everything that we do.”

Together, these three values create a powerful synergy that sets PINCHO apart from other fast-casual restaurants.

PINCHO's Tech Advantage: Leveraging Technology for Growth

Otto Othman's background in technology has given PINCHO a distinct advantage in the fast-casual landscape. He understands the power of technology to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance the customer experience.

PINCHO has invested heavily in its tech stack, implementing systems for online ordering, mobile payments, loyalty programs, and data analytics. These technologies allow PINCHO to better understand its customers, personalize their experience, and optimize its operations. PINCHO due to Othman’s background in technology he says has the best tech stack for the size of the brand.

Moreover, PINCHO is leveraging artificial intelligence to improve various aspects of its business, from inventory management to marketing campaigns. By harnessing the power of data and automation, PINCHO is able to make better decisions and stay ahead of the curve. Othman talks about the artificial intelligence that they use as well as PINCHO University.

The Savory Fund Partnership: A Boost for PINCHO's Expansion

In recent years, PINCHO has partnered with the Savory Fund, a private equity firm that specializes in investing in emerging restaurant concepts. This partnership has provided PINCHO with the capital and resources it needs to accelerate its expansion plans.

The Savory Fund brings more than just financial support to the table. They also offer valuable expertise in areas such as real estate, marketing, and operations. This partnership has allowed PINCHO to scale its business more efficiently and effectively. Also, they are part of the Savory Fund brands and this allows them to benefit from the proprietary technology.

Conclusion: More Than Just Kebabs - A Story of Culinary Excellence

PINCHO's story is a testament to the power of family, passion, and culinary expertise. What started as a humble kebab recipe has blossomed into a thriving multi-unit brand that is redefining the fast-casual dining experience. PINCHO is more than just a place to grab a quick bite; it's a celebration of Latin American culture, a commitment to flavor, and a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit.

We hope you enjoyed this deep dive into the world of PINCHO. Don't forget to check out our recent podcast episode, From Mom's Kitchen To A Multi-Unit Brand | Season 8, Vol. 26, for even more insights from Otto Othman himself. Thanks for reading, and we'll see you next time!