Originally posted April 24, 2020, on Chron.com at https://tinyurl.com/4a259yds.
By Roy Kent
Staff writer
Mexican Restaurants, Inc. has announced the appointment of Pete Pascuzzi as the company’s new CEO.
Pascuzzi reportedly will use his 35 years of experience in the restaurant industry to “lead MRI’s next phase of growth, managing the overall operations and strategy of the company’s five restaurant brands across four states,” according to a news release.
“We’re thrilled to appoint Pete to the position of CEO as we continue to grow as a company,” said Berke Bakay, chairman of the board of directors. “Pete’s deep restaurant industry expertise and exemplary leadership history make him the perfect fit to lead MRI to the next level. He brings years of experience managing every aspect of restaurant organizations, including operations, marketing, R&D, finance, human resources and training.”
Mexican Restaurants, Inc. is Houston-based restaurant company that operates and franchises five brands and more than 40 restaurants in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arizona. Its brands include Casa Olé, Monterey’s Little Mexico, Überrito Fresh Mex, Tortuga Mexican Kitchen and Crazy Jose’s.
“This is an exceptionally difficult time for the restaurant industry as a whole. I am honored and humbled that the MRI Board has welcomed me to the executive team during this challenging time,” said Pascuzzi. “MRI’s brands are well known for their family-friendly value and food quality, and I am laser-focused on ensuring our business moves to the next level.”
For more information, visit https://mexicanrestaurantsinc.com.
In other business news:
• A fund sponsored by CBRE Global Investors acquired the Elan Med Center, a 281-unit apartment complex with seven-story parking garage at 7010 Staffordshire St. near the Texas Medical Center. Developed by Greystar, the complex was completed in 2014. The units have quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and 10- to 14-foot ceiling heights. Amenities include a pool, a clubhouse, a game room, a fitness center, a pet park, multiple study lounges and an outdoor terrace area with a kitchen and grills. The complex is one of only a few apartment properties that meet the five-minute commute requirement for the Memorial Hermann and Texas Children’s surgical resident programs, according to CBRE Global Investors.
• Miami-based One Real Estate Investment acquired the 211-unit Sunswept Townhomes at 12247 Sunset Meadow Lane in southwest Houston from Sure Win Real Estate Investment. Berkadia originated and Freddie Mac purchased the 10-year, floating-rate loan with five years interest only. Built in 1982, Sunswept Townhomes has a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans ranging from 745 square feet to 1,257 square feet. Interior and exterior renovations are planned.
• The Prison Entrepreneurship Program extended its 7,200-square-foot lease at 4140 Directors Row. Jay Wall of Moody Rambin represented the tenant.
• Houston Classical Charter School leased a 14,500-square-foot facility at 6403 Addicks Clodine Road along the Westpark Tollway, just west of Texas 6, for a charter school slated to open in August. Kimberly Lenardson and Hannah Tosch of Colliers International represented the owner, New Life Baptist Church of Houston. Lesa Nickelson French of Savills represented the tenant.
• Texas Eye Institute renewed its 16,000-square-foot office lease at 7710 Beechnut St. John Zivley of NAI Partners represented the tenant. Ace Schlameus and Jenny Seckinger of Colliers International represented the landlord.
• Bayou City Hemp Co. leased 13,562 square feet in Park Row Tech Center, at 16700 Park Row Drive. Daniel Hollek of Centric Commercial represented the tenant. Jason Gibbons of Finial Group represented the landlord, Finial Senterra Park Row.
• Structure Tone Southwest renewed 7,897 square feet at 601 Sawyer for 7½ years. Richard Maloof represented the landlord, Hartman Income REIT. Lynette Cisneros with Realty One Group Experience represented the tenant.
• Bodard leased 1,065 square feet of downtown tunnel level retail space at 910 Louisiana for a Kim’s Café serving Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. Wulfe & Co. represented the landlord. Bodard Express operates grab and go Vietnamese concepts in the tunnels at 1000 Louisiana and Pennzoil Place.
Mexican Restaurants, Inc. has announced the appointment of Pete Pascuzzi as the company’s new CEO. Mexican Restaurants, Inc. is Houston-based restaurant company that operates and franchises five brands and more than 40 restaurants in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arizona. Its brands include Casa Olé, Monterey’s Little Mexico, Überrito Fresh Mex, Tortuga Mexican Kitchen and Crazy Jose’s.
Ryan Pelham / The Enterprise
You didn't know? 
Leave a comment