Who We Are
Hot Head Burritos has a solid history grounded in delivering flavorful and satisfying fast-casual dining experiences. Established in 2007, our brand has steadily grown and earned the trust of customers and franchisees alike. Owned and operated by experienced restaurateurs, Hot Head Burritos has evolved into the preferred choice for those seeking bold flavors, fresh food and great service. Our community involvement reflects a commitment to making a positive impact locally. With a focus on practical franchisee support, including training initiatives, simplified operations and open communication, Hot Head Burritos is a balanced approach to growth.
Team Effort
As a franchisee, you are part of a community that values collaboration and a brand that understands the importance of keeping it simple while delivering on taste. Join us on this journey, where our straightforward approach has made us a go-to destination for those craving delicious, custom-made burritos, bowls, tacos and more. Ready for a no-nonsense, flavor-packed business move? Join Hot Head Burritos – where we keep it spicy, support is solid, and success is the name of the game!
Kelly Gray
President and CEO
Kelly Gray, President, CEO and Co-owner of Hot Head Burritos, brings decades of restaurant, franchising and business experience to the brand. Before becoming CEO, Kelly served as Corporate Vice President of Hot Head Burritos for seven years and has been directly involved in building and opening Hot Head Burritos restaurants, giving her hands-on experience with the brand, its franchisees and restaurant operations.
In 2015, Kelly co-founded Rapid Fired Pizza and helped grow the concept to 35 locations before it was sold to an investment group in 2021. She was directly involved in building and opening Rapid Fired Pizza restaurants as the brand expanded, giving her firsthand experience in growing a restaurant concept from the ground up.
Her nearly 20 years of commercial real estate experience adds another advantage for Hot Head Burritos franchisees. With extensive experience in restaurant site selection, leasing and development, Kelly understands that a successful restaurant starts with the right location, the right deal and a solid plan for long-term profitability.
Kelly holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations from Capital University and is a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM). She previously held a Series 7 securities license and spent five years as an adjunct professor. Her combination of restaurant operations, franchising, finance, real estate and entrepreneurial experience brings a practical, business-focused approach to growing Hot Head Burritos and helping franchisees build successful businesses.
Peter Wiley
Corporate VP and CMO
Peter grew working in the restaurant industry, waiting tables at 12 years old in Skyline Chilis his family operated. He has done everything from washing dishes, to being a line cook, to bartending, to being a store manager.
He has spent the last 20 years developing brands and marketing materials across a wide variety of platforms including live events, TV, radio, print, web, mobile apps, and social media.
In 2007, Ray recruited him to help develop the Hot Head Burritos brand where he now serves as the Vice President of Marketing and IT. He also oversees the operation of 10 Hot Head Burritos locations in the Toledo, Youngstown, Akron, and Cleveland markets.
Peter is married with 5 kids, 3 cats, and 2 dogs. He enjoys fine bourbon, wine, camping, and running sound for a local country band in his free time.
Ray Wiley (1965 – 2026)
Founder
Ray Wiley grew up on the West Coast and cut his teeth in the restaurant business during the early years of Pizza Hut when his father owned, and then subsequently sold, several stores. Food was in his blood at that point and he became store manager for concepts such as Pepperoni Express, Domino’s, and Skyline. Supervision of 10 Skyline Chili stores in Columbus Ohio ended up bringing Ray to Dayton in 1989. Ray purchased his first Subway that year and was named Regional Franchisee of the year in 2002, owning as many 15 stores.
In 2007, after studying the Mexican restaurant sector, Ray came up with the idea for Hot Head Burritos in 2007. The focus of Hot Head Burritos has always been fresh food full of customizable flavor. Ray and his partners own 20 of the 85+ Hot Head stores. Hot Head Burritos was named to Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers and Shaker’s list in 2012 at number 36, 2018 at number 57, and in 2019 at number 61. Hot Head was recognized in Dayton Business Journal’s Top 100 Companies in 2018 at number 67, in 2019 at 57, number 58 in 2020
In September of 2015, Wiley co-founded Rapid Fired Pizza. Rapid Fired Pizza was named to Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers and Shaker’s list in 2020 at number 63. Restaurant Business ranked Rapid Fired Pizza as number 17 in their Future 50 in 2019. Rapid Fired Pizza was recognized in Dayton Business Journals Top 100 in 2019 at number 88 and in 2020 at 83. In 2021, Rapid Fired Pizza was sold with 35 stores to an investment group led by an existing franchisee.