Bubbakoo’s Burritos opened its first California location in Lancaster last year and has locked down a lease for its second, in La Mirada, at 14946-14986 Imperial Hwy. The new Bubbakoo’s will likely open in early 2021, according to leasing data, pending a full build-out to the restaurant’s 1,870 square-foot suite.
The Mexican-American franchise got its start in Point Pleasant, New Jersey in 2008 but has made its way to the West Coast with a new deal to open up five locations in the state in the near future, according to an announcement from the company last year. These LA openings will be operated by the veteran franchisee Michael Brannon and their family. This is part of a plan to open up 500 new locations across the country.
The decision to franchise out to California came from the fact that SoCal has such a huge taco and burrito scene, CEO Paul Altero said at the time of last year’s announcement. “LA may have taco joints, but they have never seen anything like Bubbakoo’s,” Altero said. “From our cooked-to-order protein options to our proprietary Chiwawa, you’re going to find something new on the menu each time. These offerings keep customers coming back again and again.”
It’s unclear where the additional Bubbakoo’s Burritos outposts will pop-up, or the timeline for the openings, but all five will be operated by the Brannons. Reps for the chain on Monday did not immediately respond to a request for comment by What Now Los Angeles.
Bubbakoo’s offers the usual fast-casual burrito fare such as burritos, tacos, bowls, and quesadillas, but with 16 different protein options, including crispy buffalo chicken, hibachi steak and shrimp, Sriracha shredded pork, and Southern-style barbecue chicken and pork. Vegetarian options include a bean-cheese-guacamole combo and batter-fried jalapeños. And, originals such as The Chiwawa, a cheese-smothered, panko-crusted fried rice ball, “keeps Bubbakoo’s faithfuls coming back,” according to the release.
The burgeoning burrito joint also offers sides such as jalapeño poppers, Southwest egg rolls, chips, salsa, queso, guacamole, curly fries, and nachos, as well as desserts including batter-fried Oreo cookies and “love chips,” which are tortilla chips dusted in powdered sugar and drizzled with caramel or raspberry syrup.
