The Birth of Baja Fresh: A Story of Risky Business and Unbridled Success

In an era where fast food chains sprouted up left and right, two visionary entrepreneurs dared to take a different path by opening Baja Fresh Mexican Grill in 1990. Jim and Linda Magglos were not your average restaurateurs; they had big dreams and even bigger guts when they risked everything - literally everything - on their ambitious venture.

The story begins with the Magglows taking out a third mortgage on their home, mortifyingly so, to fund the launch of Basta Fresh. Yes, you read that right – it wasn't yet called Baja Fresh; that moniker would come later in an attempt to distance themselves from another popular chain already operating under a similar name.

But despite this rocky start (literally and figuratively), their gamble paid off spectacularly. Word spread like wildfire about the mouth-watering, fresh Mexican cuisine being served up at Basta Fresh, drawing hordes of hungry customers through its doors in droves. It wasn't long before they were struggling to keep pace with demand.

Undeterred by this unexpected success (who wouldn’t want that problem?), Jim and Linda knew it was time to take things to the next level – literally again! They franchised their concept within just 5 years, rapidly expanding across America's landscape like a fast-moving storm cloud. By year three of operation they had close enough to fifty locations dotted throughout every corner of this vast nation.

And then came the icing on top - or should I say, the sprinkles on your Baja Blast? In an astonishing move that left many in awe (including yours truly), these two plucky entrepreneurs sold their rapidly expanding empire lock, stock and barrel for a staggering $275 million to none other than Wendy's founder himself!

Fast forward several years later, we find ourselves looking back upon one of the most successful restaurant chains ever born from humble beginnings - all thanks largely in part due primarily because Jim & Linda were willing enough (and foolish enough?) take that initial giant leap of faith into unknown waters. Their story serves as a powerful reminder: sometimes taking risks can lead you places you never could have imagined!

So next time you drive past your local Baja Fresh location and think back on how far this little hole-in-the-wall restaurant has come, remember it all started with two brave souls who had vision - and more importantly - the courage to pursue their dreams no matter what obstacles stood in their way!

Baja fresh menu prices