Famous Dave’s Two-Time Franchisee of the Year Alejandro Orozco Values Commitment, Teamwork and Communication

Famous Dave’s franchisee Alejandro Orozco didn’t expect to be awarded Franchisee of the Year two years in a row, but talk to him about his values and you might get an idea as to why he’s considered a rock star in the system.

The award is given at the barbecue restaurant brand’s annual conference.

“Alex has been a standout franchisee ever since he first joined the brand,” Famous Dave’s Chief Operating Officer Geovannie Concepcion said. “His commitment not only to his restaurants but to his employees is unmatchable. He has especially flourished over the past two years, and we’ve been thrilled to award him twice in a row.”

Orozco first received the award in 2017 and was floored when he won again in 2018.

“I was surprised because I never thought it was going to be me again but when Geovannie started talking about a franchisee and said my name I was amazed,” he said. “I couldn’t believe it. Receiving this award for two years in a row means a lot. My team from El Paso and I feel very fortunate to be part of this franchise. We have all been growing and learning together and we are always looking for more.”

Orozco was already a fan of the brand before he decided to purchase two struggling locations from an existing franchisee in El Paso, Texas back in 2010. He met the franchisee, who asked Orozco if he’d be interested in purchasing the two restaurants he owned. Orozco said yes.

“I like the brand very much,” he said. “The restaurant ambiance is great and so is the way you get treated as a customer. I liked that about the brand, so that’s why I decided to become a franchisee. I’ve always liked a restaurant that makes you feel welcomed with their environment, and especially with their food. Famous Dave’s is a perfect concept and of course the food is unique. Whenever you try it you just want to keep coming back.”  

Orozco also saw opportunities in the El Paso market.

“People in El Paso really like the brand,” he said.

Before franchising with Famous Dave’s, Orozco worked with his brother, who owns a Wendy’s and an Applebee’s in Mexico. Famous Dave’s is the first brand Orozco ever franchised with.

Today, Orozco owns 10 Famous Dave’s franchises - four are located in El Paso, Texas, two are in Arizona, with one in Yuma and the other in Tucson, and the remaining four are in Las Vegas, Nevada. He bought his Las Vegas locations a year ago and visits them twice a month.

Orozco has enjoyed working with the Famous Dave’s corporate team.

“I really like them,” he said. “They are doing a lot of changes, which is good for the brand. I have really good communication with them. Any support I need I call them and they help me.”

The feeling goes both ways.

“Alejandro is an excellent example of what we look for in prospective franchisees,” Concepcion said. “Not only does he have previous restaurant experience, but he’s also very hands-on. He truly cares about the success of each of his restaurants and his employees. He genuinely loves the brand and has always been a champion of it, whether that was as a customer or as a franchisee.”

Orozco wants to keep growing the brand, especially in east Texas.

“I actually love being at the restaurants,” he said. “Sometimes I need to go back to the office to look at numbers, but I love being at the restaurants. I talk to the management and we talk about what we can improve. I like to be in the field. At the end of the day if something happens, that’s when you’re going to notice the problems.”

When asked what values he holds dear, he emphasized commitment, teamwork and communication. These things are important to Orozco and his team as they grow together.

Communication is especially key for Orozco. He believes in frequent communication with his team members and restaurants. He visits all of his restaurants in person on a regular basis.

“You need to know what’s happening in everything,” he said. “I like to be informed about what’s going on in my restaurants.”

As a leader, Orozco believes in setting an example.

“You have to be an example for everybody to work the same way as you do,” he said. “You have to have a lot of passion for what you do and be happy in what you do.”
The startup costs for a Famous Dave’s franchise start at $45,000. The franchise fee is $10,000. To learn more about franchising with Famous Dave’s, visit https://www.famousdaves.com/Franchising.