MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

West Hartford was your first location choice.  Why Blue Back Square?  Give us the history of Moe’s Southwest Grill.

My business partner David Vorchheimer and I feel very lucky to be a part of West Hartford and Blue Back Square. We chose Blue Back Square for a few reasons. Firstly, I moved to West Hartford in 2005. That was about the same time, if I recall correctly, that Blue Back was given the green light. There was a buzz and I wanted to be a part    of it.

My wife and I chose to move to West Hartford, because of all the wonderful amenities that West Hartford already had to offer. We saw the addition of Blue Back as an exciting addition.That was also right around the same time Dave and I decided we wanted to go into business. That was when we started to do our research and ran into a place called Moe’s Southwest Grill. Moe’s Southwest Grill is a franchise based out of Atlanta, GA. Welcome to Moe’s!

Aside from the famous HOMEWRECKER burrito, what else can people indulge in at Moe’s Southwest Grill.

People can indulge in Burritos, Tacos, Quesadillas, Fajitas, Nachos, Rice Bowls, Beer…You name it.

The beauty about Moe’s is you can build your food anyway you like it..mild or spicy..with or without the tortilla. We’re happy to accommodate our customers with whatever they desire.  We have a full array of vegetarian options including Tofu, and lite menu options that include Whole WheatTortillas.

Explain how you are able to expand your business in a time when some are focused on staying open.

We are fortunate to have very supportive families, great staff, good community banking partners in CT River Community Bank, a good Franchise, and a bit of luck. We work very hard, take are work very seriously, and are very focused and passionate about our work.

We opened Moe’s in Downtown Hartford at State House Square last summer, and opened in Glastonbury (another great community) at 2450 Main St on July 29th this year.

The Center & The Square are the pulse of West Hartford.  How have you partnered with neighbors to keep people coming back for more?

We have partnered with many of our neighbors in the Center and Square including Per Se Spa, National Jeans, Barnes & Noble, NYSC, Fleet Feet, Labrazel Home, and many more.

Our partnerships are based around catering, parties, runs, and fundraisers.

Moe’s takes great pride in being a community supporter.  Explain.

West Hartford is a Moe’s Neighborhood. Our community is very important to us.  I grew up in Lebanon, CT and that was where I learned about community. That is a great town where the residents always come to the aid or celebration of other members of their community.

Now we are a part of West Hartford. Our schools, our kids, our friends, our neighbors, our fellow business owners, our town employees and officials, are what make West Hartford the town that it is.

Any chance we have to help or give back, you can count on us. Without our community we are nothing.

Moe’s Southwest Grill has been with the Chamber since before the doors opened.  Talk about how membership has enabled you to succeed.

The West Hartford Chamber is at the core of the community. We have developed many important business contacts and friends through the Chamber and it’s employees. Get involved, it can only help your cause. The Chamber is there to help, and they do a great job at it.

Share your best business advice with fellow members.

Be passionate, aware, and focus on your business not everyone else’s. Know that you can’t do it alone, and there are many people willing to help if you engage them.  Have a little fun along the way too!