Desert Moon featured in Nation's Restaurant News

Nation’s Restaurant News Reporter Mark Brandau researched the scoop on how Desert Moon tackles Cinco de Mayo, a holiday that came to be because Mexico was victorious over the French in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. In America, Americans have embraced the holiday as a time to celebrate with Mexican food, margaritas and mariachi bands. Desert Moon throws its own bash and hopes to capture more than a few new guests too. Read more about how Desert Moon gears up for the big day here!

Restaurants gear up for Cinco de Mayo
By Mark Brandau

Fred Kirvan, president of the eight-unit fast-casual chain Desert Moon Fresh Mexican Grille, equates Cinco de Mayo, the Mexican holiday celebrating the country’s victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla in 1862, with another American day of retail and restaurant excess.

“Cinco de Mayo is our Black Friday,” he said of May 5, which he called “the only day all year when all people are thinking about Mexican food.”

(Read More)

Desert Moon featured in Connecticut Post

Desert Moon was recently featured in a Connecticut Post article called "Mexican restaurants cash in on Cinco de Mayo." Operations Manager, Michelle Cullen, compared the popular holiday to the Christmas of the Mexican business. The article also discussed how Desert Moon's attendance doubles each year on the holiday and describes the party that Desert Moon will be holding in celebration. Click here to view the article in its entirety!

Mexican restaurants cash in on Cinco de Mayo
By Olivia Just

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is generally celebrated with tequila, margaritas and a hearty craving for Mexican cuisine -- a far cry from a battle waged by Mexican troops against the French on May 5, 1862, the historical event the holiday commemorates.

For local Mexican and Southwestern restaurants, however, Cinco de Mayo is the single day each year assured to attract customers seeking a slice of Mexican culture.

(Read More)

Desert Moon featured in Home News Tribune

Home News Tribune reporter Ken Serrano spoke with local Desert Moon franchisee Rankesh Patel about his entrepreneurial background, his life passion and his former Bollywood career. Patel, although only 29, has already experienced more than most do in a lifetime. His current undertaking: Business owner of Desert Moon in Franklin. Learn more about the story here!

For Piscataway man, a growing business and a Hindi film career on hold
by KEN SERRANO

Franklin (Somerset) — When Rankesh Patel came to the United States from India at age 14 in 1996, he did not attend high school.

Instead, he worked in family businesses and then, aiming for a career in Hindi film, he attended the New York Film Academy, going to evening workshops for acting in his spare time.

(Read More)

Franchisee Profile: Peter Spagnuolo from White Plains, NY

Q: Where are you originally from?
A: I live in White Plains now and grew up in Hastings, which is along the Hudson River.

Q: Before Franchising, what were you involved with?
A: I am attorney, still practicing. I’ve been practicing law for 19 years in the bankruptcy and real estate sectors. About three years ago, I started looking at ways to expand my portfolio. I am an entrepreneur at heart and I wanted to grow a business that was my own. I took over the Desert Moon in White Plains in 2008 after I found out it was for sale. I thought Mexican food would be a great segment to be involved with as it’s one of the fastest growing food segments in the nation and Desert Moon was my niece’s favorite restaurant. Since purchasing Desert Moon, I have added two other food concepts to my portfolio.

Q: Why was this brand the right fit for you?
A: It all came down to the quality and freshness of the food. When you have a good product, people will naturally come and I felt passionate that Desert Moon was the right choice based on that criteria. Fortunately my gut instinct was right. My location is in the mall and it is one of the most popular choices among mall shoppers. People often reference how fresh our food is compared to other mall food court options. Desert Moon gives mall shoppers a healthy alternative. This year we will probably install the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine, which will offer customers a wide selection of beverage options. Desert Moon corporately is also focused on helping its franchisees explore new innovations for their locations, which was another reason I felt comfortable being a franchisee with the brand.

Q: How do you see the brand connecting with your local community?
A: I make it a point to contribute to local nonprofits that approaches us for a donation. I believe it’s valuable for Desert Moon to be ingrained in the community and for Desert Moon to be synonymous with community involvement. I plan on sponsoring a little league team this year as well.