Amigos is a fast-food Mexican restaurant chain founded in Lincoln, Nebraska. The first location opened at 5500 'O' Street on June 17, 1980. Currently, there are 30 Amigos restaurants in multiple cities. [1] Amigos is one of two regional restaurant chains that serves "Cheese Frenchees", a regional delicacy created by the Lincoln based chain King's Food Host in the 1950s. [2]
Roger and Jan Moore opened the first Amigos in 1980, [3] and continue to run most of the restaurants today. Initially they intended to purchase an existing franchise, but ultimately decided to try their own concept. After conducting a market study in Lincoln, Nebraska, they determined the market would sustain a Mexican restaurant, and they chose the name "Amigos" in part to avoid using the word Taco in the name, and also their hope was to reflect friendly service and atmosphere. [4]
Business at the first location exceeded expectations, and they soon opened a second location on Webb Road in Grand Island, Nebraska. The Webb Road location is now the longest-operating Amigos anywhere [5] as the original location in Lincoln closed permanently in 2013. [6]
A second Lincoln location was added in 1984. [4]
Amigos is still selling favorite items that were on the original 1980 menu; including the original Soft Taco, Enchilada, Crisp Meat Burrito, Crispos, Mexi Fries, Taco Salad, and Nachos. [1]
According to Roger and Jan Moore, crisp meat burritos and soft tacos have always been their most popular items. [4]
From the King's Classic menu, the Lincoln-original sandwich called a "Cheese Frenchee" is served, based on the original King's Food Host recipe from the 1950s. [7] The Cheese Frenchee can still be found around Nebraska at Amigos, as well as a restaurant chain called Don & Millie's. [8] No one knows why exactly it got the name "Frenchee", but some think it may be because of its resemblance to a Croque Monsieur. [2]
Beginning in 1996, the restaurants began co-branding to expand and differentiate their menus. [4]
