After flying B-1 bombers for the U.S. Air Force and building a 25-year career in technology, 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. This Veterans Day, MOOYAH is celebrating Engel's journey from military service to entrepreneurship and his decision to turn decades of leadership experience into something he could build with his family.
With college financially out of reach, Engel enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he completed specialized electronics and radar training before earning 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. Each chapter brought new challenges, but Engel's next opportunity would be more personal.
After decades of professional success, Engel had the opportunity to retire early. Instead, he saw a chance to build a future alongside 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," said Engel. "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. From the ingredients they use to how they prepare their food, it was perfect to us," said Engel. "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 brand's Wylie, Texas, restaurant in 2024 and achieved a 30% year-over-year sales increase in their first year of ownership. Their success reflects the same tenacity that has defined Engel's career — a willingness to roll up his sleeves, tackle challenges head-on and do the work required to succeed.
"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 proud to offer 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.
Engel's story underscores the potential for veterans to leverage military leadership and discipline into successful franchise ownership, a path that MOOYAH actively encourages through its veteran incentive. For readers considering business ownership, the announcement highlights a tangible opportunity for veterans to reduce startup costs while building a family legacy. To learn more about MOOYAH franchise opportunities and its veteran incentive, visit mooyahfranchise.com.
