Despite being a Toronto-based company, Barrio Burrito Bar is a Tex-Mex restaurant chain making significant headway south of the Canadian border. Now, a Louisiana master franchisee is planning to open the first two Pelican State locations of Barrio Burrito Bar in Baton Rouge.
Marc Johnson recently told What Now New Orleans that the chain’s wide range of menu options makes it a cut above other chains selling burritos, tacos, and other Tex-Mex classics. He said a ‘secret shopper’ trip up to a location in Toronto convinced him that Barrio Burrito Bar is a winning concept.
“At any given time, you’re able to choose from 10 or so proteins, and interesting ones like Jerk Chicken, Bang-Bang Shrimp, and Barbacoa Beef,” he said. “There are also roughly eight to 10 sauces at any given time, so you can really change the flavor profile with each burrito.”
“This brand, with these flavors, will really take market share from its competitors,” Johnson said.
The first Baton Rouge location is set to open at 7707 Bluebonnet Blvd. in Perkins Rowe this spring. The second location is slated to open this summer on Airline Highway. Johnson said that Baton Rouge was partly targeted for the first locations because of its large student population, who can afford to eat more than just instant ramen.
“I feel like college kids have a little bit more money than maybe when I was in college,” Johnson laughed. “This is a brand and a product that delivers really well to that demographic.”
As a master franchisee for Alabama and Louisiana, Johnson is looking to recruit franchise owners for additional Barrio Burrito Bar locations. He touted a great working relationship with the company and lower barriers to entry compared to other franchise options.
“This is a company that you can come in and get a three-store package for cheaper than one store for a lot of different franchises,” he said. “This is an opportunity for a franchisee to come in with a lot of open territories, but also they can get in on something special at the ground floor.”
