Building Success Together: A Partnership Between P. Terry’s Burger Stand and ECI

Since 2016, ECI and P. Terry’s have shared a remarkable partnership built on trust, mutual respect, and an unwavering commitment to quality. What started with a single project has grown into a successful collaboration, resulting in more than 20 P. Terry’s locations across Texas, with more on the horizon. 

The deep-rooted relationship between ECI and P. Terry’s is a testament to the collaborative spirit and shared values that have made their partnership a standout in the commercial construction industry.

The story of ECI and P. Terry’s began in the mid-90s when ECI’s CEO, Chris Engen, first met P. Terry’s founder, Patrick Terry, through mutual friends. After some time apart, their paths crossed again when ECI was invited to bid on P. Terry’s first project. Although ECI didn’t land the first job, the second location—marking the start of a strong relationship—set the tone for many successful collaborations to follow.

“When we first started working with P. Terry’s, we saw a brand that was unique—something special,” said Chris. “Being a part of their journey as they grew into the Texas burger empire they are today has been a privilege.”

As the P. Terry’s brand grew, so did ECI’s capabilities. Over the years, the relationship evolved naturally, deepening with each project. “The growth of P. Terry’s has been amazing, and we’ve been able to grow right alongside them. We’ve leaned on each other, learned together, and celebrated each success,” Chris shared.

ECI has had the privilege of working on a range of significant projects with P. Terry’s, from their flagship Capital Plaza location to newer builds in cities like Houston. That first project set the tone for the relationship, which has been characterized by open communication and a strong sense of teamwork. 

“Each project has been a team effort,” said Michael Engen, President of ECI. “From regular meetings and staying ahead of potential challenges to anticipating needs, our collaborative process has been a key factor in meeting tight deadlines and keeping projects on track.” As the partnership progressed, these projects continue to be marked by the high standards of craftsmanship ECI is known for in addition to a shared commitment to quality and creative problem-solving. 

The unique and bold architectural designs of P. Terry’s restaurants have challenged the team at ECI to push their own limits, embracing the modern aesthetic and creative vision that sets the brand apart. For Monty Montgomery, P. Terry’s Vice President, this collaboration has led to some truly standout builds.

“They get involved early, from conceptual design to final plans. They aren’t just there to follow instructions—they help problem-solve and ensure the vision can be executed efficiently,” Monty explained.

Throughout the years, ECI has remained committed to delivering high-quality, reliable results on every project. Both Chris and Michael emphasize the importance of consistency, noting how past experiences have helped ECI anticipate challenges and avoid delays.

“We focus on consistency and reliability—delivering quality every time, all the time,” Michael said. “We’ve developed such a deep understanding of each other’s expectations that we can anticipate needs and get ahead of potential issues.”

For P. Terry’s, the reliability of ECI has had a direct impact on growth. “By utilizing their knowledge of past projects, they help us maintain a consistent and predictable cost structure, which allows us to grow and open more locations.” This consistency is crucial as P. Terry’s expands into new markets, including Houston, where ECI’s understanding of the P. Terry’s brand has been invaluable.

It’s more than just cost and efficiency, though. ECI’s focus on ensuring a positive customer experience at every P. Terry’s location is equally important. “Their work contributes directly to the guest experience,” Monty said. “The attention to detail ensures our customers understand the brand and get the same high-quality experience at every store.”

The collaboration between ECI and P. Terry’s is evident not just in the completed projects, but in the lasting relationships built along the way. From the professional transparency Monty praised to the seamless communication facilitated by tools like Procore, the partnership is marked by a shared dedication to quality and innovation.

As Monty put it, “It’s not just about completing a project. ECI’s commitment to our vision and brand ensures that every location is built with care, passion, and precision. They’re not just a contractor—they’re part of our team.”

“We’re proud of the projects we’ve completed, but what stands out most is the relationships we've built with the P. Terry’s team. Their values align with ours, and we’ve developed great friendships along the way,” Michael says.

The partnership between ECI and P. Terry’s is a testament to the power of long-term collaboration, trust, and shared values. Over the years, both of our companies have grown and thrived together, delivering exceptional results in the ever-expanding Texas market. For those in the commercial construction industry, this story underscores the importance of building lasting relationships with clients—a key to success in a competitive field.