Ray Wiley, founder, president and CEO of Hot Head Burritos, passed away May 25 at age 60. No cause of death was announced.
Ray Wiley
Wiley founded Hot Head Burritos in 2007 after spending decades in the restaurant industry, including more than 30 years as a Subway franchisee and operator. Hot Heads Burritos has more than 85 locations across eight states today.
In 2015, he also co-founded Rapid Fired Pizza, helping grow the concept to 35 locations before its sale to an investment group in 2021. Wiley also was an inventor and was awarded a patent for an invention for the restaurant industry.
Effective immediately, Kelly Gray, co-owner and longtime corporate vice president, will assume the role of president. Peter Wiley, Ray's brother, will serve the company as vice president.
“Ray built Hot Head Burritos from the ground up with an incredible amount of passion, grit and vision,” Gray said in a statement. “More importantly, he built a culture centered around people. He cared deeply about our franchisees, employees and guests, and he created opportunities for so many people across this system. His impact on this brand and the restaurant industry will continue for many years to come.”
The company said operations and franchise support remain unchanged, with leadership and support teams continuing to focus on day-to-day business operations and franchisee success across the system.
“Right now, our focus is on supporting the family, our employees and our franchise community while continuing the work Ray cared so deeply about,” Gray added.
Ray was born in Wichita KS on July 9, 1965 to the late Bryon and Margaret (Hoffman) Wiley.
He is survived by his children, Kathryn Wiley, Emiley Wiley, and Ben (Amber) Schlessiger; his brothers, Peter (Mikel) Wiley and Chris (Jen) Wiley; his sister, Peggy (Rick) Suniga; longtime friend and loving companion Kelly Gray; numerous nieces and nephews; and beloved employees and franchisees.