The chain was founded in 1992 by Rodney Anderson when he opened two units: one in Iowa City, Iowa , and one in East Lansing, Michigan . The birth of the perfect burrito dates back to 1992, when Pancheros founder Rodney Anderson opened the doors to his first restaurant in downtown ⦠He started the first restaurant with capital that he gained from the stock market. Although Chipotle is the top seller when it comes fresh Mexican cuisine in the fast casual catergory, Iowa-based Pancheros Mexican Grill is growing strong. Rodney L. Anderson founded the 50-unit chain in 1992 and has plans for a minimum of 10 more by the end of 2013. The Pancheroâs chain was founded in 1992 by Rodney Anderson with one restaurants in Iowa ⦠Pancheros Mexican Grill is a chain of Tex Mex restaurants in the United States, that specializes in Mexican-style cuisine. About Pancheroâs Mexican Grill. Founder and president Rodney Anderson said he has been cautious about growing the ⦠It was back in 1992 when Anderson, with a freshly-minted MBA from the University of Chicago, was able to open the first Pancheros using money he made on the stock market. About Pancheros Mexican Grill. Along came 22-year-old Joel Johnson, who was looking for a job and very comfortable with social media. The beginning of Pancheros dates back to 1992 when Rodney Anderson opened the brandâs first restaurant in Iowa City, Iowa. Pancheros past is an interesting one, Rodney Anderson, who is still the current president of the eatery, established it back in 1992. The founder of Panchero's Mexican Grill, Rodney Anderson, felt the company ought to be involved in social networking, but he and his management team weren't sure how to do it. Pancheros Mexican Grill is a chain of fast casual Tex Mex restaurants in the United States serving Mexican-style cuisine. Iâm talking about Pancheros Mexican Grill, and although there are only about 68 locations at present, thatâs something president and CEO Rodney Anderson wants to remedy. The beginning of Pancheros dates back to 1992 when Rodney Anderson opened the brandâs first restaurant in Iowa City, Iowa. He started it after completing his studies at the University of Chicago and acquired his MBA. View Rodney L. Andersonâs profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. Rodney L. has 1 job listed on their profile. Founder/President | Pancheros Mexican Grill | Class of 1990 Rodney Anderson left town in 1990, bachelorâs of finance degree in hand, but his legacy lives on in C-U.