After flying B-1 bombers for the U.S. Air Force and spending 25 years in technology consulting, Bill Engel had earned the opportunity to retire. Instead, he chose to become a business owner alongside his wife and son. Today, the Engel family owns a MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes restaurant in Wylie, Texas, where they have achieved a 30% year-over-year sales increase in their first year of ownership.
Engel's path to entrepreneurship began with financial necessity. With college out of reach, he enlisted in the Air Force, completed specialized electronics and radar training, and earned a full scholarship to Penn State University, graduating with a degree in meteorology. He went on to fly B-1 bombers, logging more than 500 flight hours, and later served as an instructor, helping train the aircraft's first female crewmember. After transitioning to civilian life at 34, Engel built a 25-year technology consulting career, working with companies including IBM, Oracle and KPMG.
Despite decades of professional success, Engel saw a chance to build a future with his family. "At the time, my son was working hard for another burger brand, and things were moving slowly, so I told him to just buy a burger brand," Engel said. "I wanted to work with my son, and this was a great way for us to team up and take our futures into our own hands." They ultimately chose MOOYAH, a brand known for its commitment to quality, including Certified Angus Beef® burgers, hand-cut fries and 100% real ice cream shakes.
"After we tried the food at MOOYAH, we thought it was amazing! We loved that they use Certified Angus Beef® because we raise angus cows on our ranch," Engel said. "Additionally, the culture is fantastic and we hit it off with everyone we got to meet from the team to the president. We knew it was right for us." The Engel family acquired the Wylie restaurant in 2024 and achieved a 30% year-over-year sales increase in their first year of ownership.
"Bill's story is a powerful example of how military leadership translates into entrepreneurial success," said Michael Meche, President of MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes. "He could have chosen retirement, but instead chose to build something meaningful with his family. That's the kind of drive, purpose and commitment we're proud to celebrate at MOOYAH."
To help more veterans pursue business ownership, MOOYAH is offering qualified veterans 50% off the initial franchise fee for their first restaurant, representing $15,000 in savings. The incentive is available year-round as part of the brand's ongoing commitment to supporting veterans beyond their military service. For more information, visit mooyahfranchise.com.
Engel's success story highlights the potential for veterans to leverage military leadership experience into franchise ownership. As the demand for quality food and strong brand support continues, MOOYAH's veteran incentive may encourage more former service members to take the entrepreneurial leap, strengthening the franchise's footprint and the communities it serves.
