Founded by CEO Downing Barber, Barberitos is a burrito brand with “Southwestern Roots” and “Southwestern Flavor.”
The Barberitos website tells the story of Barber’s love affair with the burrito: “Every aspect of the southwestern staple fascinated him. From its preparation and freshness to its nutritional value and customizability. It was then that Downing made it his goal to introduce the flavorful, healthier foods of the Southwest to all of America. So he began honing his culinary skills and perfecting recipes. Shortly thereafter, in 2000, he opened his first Barberitos in Athens, Georgia.”
After some years, the chain is now making its way to the Tampa Bay market, where it will launch at 7201 E Fletcher Ave, Unit 101-A, in Temple Terrace. Longtime-fan and first-time franchisee Matt O’Neill says he’s excited to open the first Barberitos with the chain’s new branding and all-new design.
“I fell in love with the brand years ago while in a corporate position at Zaxby’s, which is also based in Athens,” said O’Neill. “And I thought, I need to bring this down to Tampa where I come from.”
Barberitos’ burritos come build-your-own style: guests choose a tortilla (flour, wheat, chipotle, or spinach), a protein (chicken, steak, tofu, ground turkey, or ground beef), and toppings like rice, beans, corn salsa, pico de gallo, cilantro, and more. There are also add-ons like avocado, guacamole, cheese dip, and three different kinds of salsa.
While most Barberitos locations have a larger footprint, this one will be relatively smaller, with seating for about 20 guests. It’s expected to launch sometime this summer, and O’Neill is working on another location for 2025 as well. There’s an overall goal of five locations in five years.
The new location will start hiring soon for 20-30 positions.
You can keep up with Barbaritos news by following @barberitos on Instagram.
