Bill Engel’s path from flying B-1 bombers to owning a MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes restaurant in Wylie, Texas, illustrates how military leadership can translate into entrepreneurial success. This Veterans Day, MOOYAH is highlighting Engel’s story as part of a broader commitment to helping veterans pursue business ownership, including a year-round incentive that offers qualified veterans 50% off the initial franchise fee for their first restaurant—a savings of $15,000.
Engel’s journey began when he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after finding college financially out of reach. He completed specialized electronics and radar training, earned a full scholarship to Penn State University, and graduated 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 reaching a point where retirement was possible, Engel chose a different route: building a business with his wife and son. “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.”
The family ultimately selected MOOYAH, drawn to its commitment to quality ingredients such as 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. “From the ingredients they use to how they prepare their food, it was perfect to us. Additionally, the culture is fantastic and we hit it off with everyone we got to meet from the team to the president.”
The Engel family acquired the Wylie restaurant in 2024 and achieved a 30% year-over-year sales increase in their first year of ownership. That performance reflects the tenacity that defined Engel’s military and corporate careers—a willingness to 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.”
MOOYAH’s veteran incentive is available year-round and applies to qualified veterans purchasing their first franchise. The brand, based in Plano, Texas, has been serving made-to-order burgers since 2007 and has earned recognition on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers, Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 and Franchise Update Media’s 2024 Franchise Innovation Award. For more information about franchise opportunities and the veteran incentive, visit mooyahfranchise.com.
