Heading to a Moe's Southwest Grill is as much about the food as it is the experience. And recently, Guilty Eats was invited to the brand's headquarters for an inside look at their history, their food, and what's coming next.
One thing that we were surprised to learn about when we visited was that Moe's is actually an acronym for Musicians, Outlaws and Entertainers. First introduced in December 2000, Moe's Southwest Grill has long been a place where good food meets amazing ambiance.
The first time I was introduced to Moe's was in New York around 2007 and I remember walking into a restaurant was playing rock music from the 70s and 80s, with vibrant colors and a menu that made me want to come back for more, even before trying a single thing. And I was right in wanting to come back again, because the food is just as amazing as the menu makes it seem.
But what makes Moe's so special is their dedication to not only remaining innovative with their menu, but also giving customers what they want. In a lot of ways, they are a restaurant that relies on their loyal customers to keep coming back for what they already love, while also being willing to try the newest additions to the menu.
Moe's Southwest Grill is dedicated to giving their customers more than just the normal dining experience
So what are some interesting facts that we learned about (or were reminded of) when we visited the Moe's HQ?
- They were founded in Atlanta, Georgia (and the original restaurant is still in business).
- Their welcome greeting is meant to have a musical flare to it. Basically, it is meant as a promise and a greeting in one.
- They currently have over 600 locations in the U.S., and they are expanding out west.
- There is actually a brand presence in Hawaii, with two locations currently open.
- Moe's is known for their "famous queso."
- The brand started with a strong emphasis on storytelling, but over time the focus shifted.
- They offer catering service that can feed both small crowds and large numbers.
- The use soybean oil in their frying.
- The Burrito and the Stack are their top two menu items and they are fully customizable.
- They try to offer seasonal LTOs that keep their customers coming back for more.
We learned a lot at the Moe's Southwest Grill headquarters. And that includes the proper technique for how to roll a burrito. Of course, we may have slightly failed at the burrito rolling technique, but we definitely learned some tips and tricks that might make us better with practice.
You can't go wrong with a trip to Moe's and we definitely recommend a cup of queso no matter what you are ordering. Of course, we won't say no to chips and salsa either.
Are you a fan of Moe's Southwest Grill? What's your favorite menu item from Moe's?