South Florida Food 50: Nedal Ahmad of Pincho Factory

Nedal Ahmad, CEO and co-founder of Pincho Factory

Why he’s in the Food 50: Nedal Ahmad is more than just a guy who can gin up an only-in-South-Florida invention such as the tostón burger: a seasoned beef patty between smashed fried plantains. He’s an American success story, an entrepreneur who took a chance on a fast-casual, East-meets-West street food concept and worked tirelessly to build it up. The result: Pincho Factory locations on Bird Road and in Coral Gables, with a third coming to Hialeah and franchise opportunities available. And just to prove he’s still having fun, Ahmad went on Today last year to make a tostón burger for Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb.

$6.27: That’s how much Ahmad had in his bank account when he opened his first Pincho Factory in 2010. To toast the restaurant’s fourth birthday, Ahmad and Wynwood Brewing Co. collaborated on a special brew, Pincho Factory 627, brewed with local Key limes and coriander — a primary seasoning in Pincho Factory’s standout burgers.

Where to find him: Multiple locations.

Web: pinchofactory.com

Social: @pinchofactory, @NedalaAhmad

This story was originally published February 17, 2015 at 7:31 PM with the headline "South Florida Food 50: Nedal Ahmad of Pincho Factory."