Barberitos
| Barberitos | |
|---|---|
| Restaurant information | |
| Established | January 2000 |
| Owner(s) | Woworks |
| Previous owner(s) | Downing Barber |
| Food type | Tex-Mex |
| Country | United States |
| Other information | As of August 2023, there are 46 franchise agreements for Barberitos in the Southeastern US. |
| Website | www |
Barberitos is an American franchise restaurant chain of Mission burrito-inspired restaurants based in Athens, Georgia, United States. The company name is a portmanteau of founder Downing Barber's last name and burrito.[1]
History
The idea of the restaurant developed when Downing Barber tried eating a healthy diet without a budget, while noticing a restaurant in Aspen, Colorado serving fresh food to customers. The original Barberitos in downtown Athens opened in January 2000.[2] The company struggled early on, but started to turn things around by 2010.[2]
In 2019, NFL player and UGA alum David Pollack joined Barberitos as the brand's ambassador.[3]
On February 20, 2020, Barberitos celebrated its 20th anniversary.[4]
In May 2022, the company was acquired by Woworks.[5]
Franchises
Franchising for the company began in 2002;[6] as of August 2023, forty-six restaurants are operating through the Southeastern United States.[6]
Mascot
The company mascot is Pepe, a grinning chili pepper wearing dark glasses and clutching a burrito.
References
- ^ Ketron, Jamie (February 20, 2014). "Barberitos Opens Second Location "Campus Barbs" near ETSU". Mitch Cox Companies. Retrieved September 2, 2020.
- ^ a b Elan, Elissa (April 5, 2010). "Barberitos: Fast-casual Mexican chain's chief exec says opportunities for expansion are starting to heat up again". Nation's Restaurant News. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
- ^ "ESPN's David Pollack Named Barberitos Brand Ambassador". QSR magazine. Retrieved 2020-09-02.
- ^ O'Donnell, Caitlin (February 18, 2020). "Barberitos: A fresh take on food that's grown in 20 years". Athens Banner-Herald. Archived from the original on 2020-02-19. Retrieved 2020-09-02.
- ^ Fantozzi, Joanna (May 13, 2022). "Woworks acquires Barberitos and Zoup Eatery". Nation's Restaurant News. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
- ^ a b Lerch, Denali (February 19, 2020). "Barberitos to celebrate its 20th anniversary on Feb. 20". The Red and Black. Retrieved 2020-09-02.