Barberitos | |
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Restaurant information | |
Established | February 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. As of August 2023 [update], 46 Barberitos restaurants are operating in seven southeastern United States. [1] The company name is a portmanteau of Downing Barber, company founder, and burrito, a signature item at Barberitos restaurants. [2] The company mascot is Pepe, a grinning chili pepper wearing dark glasses and clutching a burrito.
The idea of the restaurant developed when Barber tried eating a healthy diet without a budget, while noticing a restaurant in Aspen, Colorado serving fresh food to customers. After realizing his dissatisfaction with working in a corporate career, he decided to pursue building a restaurant in Athens. At first, the business struggled, then skyrocketed after a football game between University of Georgia and University of Tennessee. On February 20, 2020, Barberitos celebrated its 20th anniversary. [3]
The original Barberitos in downtown Athens opened in 2000. Franchising for the company began in 2002. [1] In 2019, NFL player and UGA alum David Pollack joined Barberitos as the brand's ambassador. [4]