The key to most successful restaurants isn’t what guests see, but what – and who – they don’t see. Meet TC Clemmons the Broward County (FL) District Manager for Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, a fast-casual Mexican restaurant chain that over the past 20 years has grown to 20 locations across South Florida.
Clemmons’ three venues – in Dania Beach, Pembroke Pines and Plantation – are among the more successful in the chain, thanks to a combination of a simple, fresh (no microwaves or freezers), flavorful menu, and veteran managers, such as Clemens, who believe their jobs as more than just, well, a job.
“You get rewarded by helping people,’’ said Clemmons, inside the Lime Fresh Dania Beach venue during the recent launch of the chain’s newest menu item – Mexican Pizza. “I work hard to set an example. All of my general managers started as cashiers and cooks. It’s not how much we do, it’s how much we do well.”
Quick with a smile and handshake, Clemmons, began as a cook in his aunt’s truck stop restaurant outside of Nashville. A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Clemens’ culinary stops included the 101st Airborne chain in Nashville before landing at Lime Fresh 15 years ago.
Mexican Pizza (Lime Fresh Mexican Grill)
“The brand is a household name in South Florida,’’ he said. “The (customer) demographics have changed here in Broward County because we’re seeing more people moving into the state. And here (in Dania Beach) we get a lot of international people because of the shopping, and a lot of people who come here from the cruise ships.’’
Regardless of where they are from, Lime Fresh guests basically have one thing in common: Tacos, queso burritos and quesadillas. Okay, that’s three things, but you get the idea. Lime Fresh delivers a solid menu of fast-casual Mexican cuisine that is familiar with people around the world.
“Over the years we have hired managers from different concepts who were impressed in how we make things fresh,’’ Clemmons said. “That’s part of the culture. We do a really good job of not (overstocking) shelves and a really good job in our product mixes.’’
In that product is a Pork Taco featuring smoked pork from 4Rivers Smokehouse, a legendary Florida barbeque chain.
“It’s a good fit for our menu,’’ Clemmons said.
As is the crispy, stone-fired Mexican Pizza, which debuted this past July 1, At the same time, the company added a new hot sauce bar collaboration with Tabañero and brought back its popular ‘Merica Margarita.
“A good idea – The Mexican Pizza has done well,’’ in the early days, Clemmons said. “And people really love of our margaritas.’’