How long have you been with Fuzzy’s?
I began with Fuzzy’s in 2007 and became a franchisee in 2010.
What is your role at Fuzzy’s?
I’m a franchisee, but now my position is more of a regional manager. My franchise has eight units, and they are divided into three different areas. I help oversee those stores and the area directors there.
How did you start with Fuzzy’s?
I became involved with Fuzzy’s through my dad and Cornerstone Impressions, which is the company that does the majority of the furniture, screen-printing and embroidery for Fuzzy’s. I’ve been in the restaurant industry since I was 15, and when I was 25, my dad turned us on to Fuzzy’s. I thought he was crazy because he told us he wanted to buy a restaurant, but just after seeing it and meeting the owners, I knew it was the right fit at the right time for us.
Were you a Fuzzy’s customer before?
I had been to Fuzzy’s once, but my dad loved the food. Actually, he loved it so much he bought one.
What is your favorite item on the menu?
Probably the fajita chicken salad with avocado slices on it.
At your locations, do you do anything special or different compared to other locations?
We feel that speed of service is essential, so we’ve equipped most of our stores with additional registers. So where a typical Fuzzy’s would have two registers, we will have three. We pay extra attention to getting the guest through the line and getting them their food, so they can trust us to be their Tuesday lunch destination or visit us for Fuzzy Friday.
Do you have any special items at your locations?
We have frozen alcoholic beverages that we can put beers in, which provides guests some extra variety. You can add certain liquors to change up the frozen drinks, too. It gives the guest the option to customize their order.
Have you seen some regulars become part of your stores?
Absolutely. We always try to talk to and meet the guests to see where they’re coming from. Many times I will go into my stores and see guests we’ve had since we first opened and who remain very loyal. I can remember back when I ran the Race Street (Fort Worth, Texas) store, I would have Rick, Gary, Wilson and Dale come in all the time. Paul and Wilma are a few of the other regulars.
Do you partner with any charities or local groups?
Our stores partner with groups in the community for fundraisers. We set a day aside and groups can bring in family and friends and enjoy a dining experience with 10 percent of the proceeds going back to the organization. We do a lot of work with schools and businesses, and people return because they enjoy their experience. On a larger scale, we’ve worked with No Kids Hungry and Wish with Wings.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve ever seen happen at Fuzzy’s?
We have a lot of celebrities come into our stores, and being able to recognize them and have them sign the wall is always great. Bobby Witt the baseball player came in, Darren Woodson, the former Cowboys player, and his son. In Burleson, the mayor dined with us three Fridays in a row.
Do you accommodate off-the-menu orders?
Of course. We try to accommodate the guest, so whenever we can do what they are requesting, we do. A gentleman wanted a BLT taco with garlic sauce, so we made it for him. He’s been ordering it every time he comes in for the past few years.
What’s something people might not know about Fuzzy’s?
No body knows where the name “Fuzzy’s” comes from. I’ve asked people who have been with Fuzzy’s forever and no one knows. My theory is that it’s called a Fuzzy taco because of the feta cheese on top. I believe that’s where the old owner came up with Fuzzy. But that’s just my theory. It’s a mystery.
Anything else?
We just try to take care of our guests and have a great time with them. Fuzzy’s offers great service and great food, and it’s a place where kids can come in and not have to wait for servers or a table. You are able to get in and out at a convenient pace, and you’re going to get above-average food. I have three kids and we can go to Fuzzy’s and have a meal for $35, or we can go somewhere else and eat for $70. The price also helps millennials living on a budget. If you deliver the product, they will come.
