Bubbakoo’s Burritos is a fast-casual chain based on the Jersey Shore, with a beach-goer, skater theme and a menu of global cuisine wrapped in tortillas. Think crispy Buffalo chicken, Sriracha pork or hibachi steak & shrimp sandwiched into a quesadilla or shaped into a burrito — or scooped over a trayful of panko crusted fried rice balls. That last option, the Chiwawa, is a signature item of the chain and a real crowd pleaser according to Paul Altero, who founded Bubbakoo’s with Bill Hart in 2008.
The chain, which started franchising in 2016, has grown to nearly 50 units, with another 80 in development, Altero said. That includes 10 corporate locations where franchisees are trained, and the staff from those restaurants also help with the opening of new franchised locations..
Although New Jersey remains Bubbakoo’s stronghold, units now exist as far away as Florida and California, and as Altero shared his plans for the chain in this video, he was also gearing up for a trip to a new restaurant opening in Louisville, Ky.
In this video, Altero discusses how the chain has adjusted during the pandemic, how even a relatively small company can leverage technology to its advantage, and what he’s looking for in franchisees.
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