New Jersey burrito chain opens second Pasco spot

A fast-growing Mexican fusion chain is expanding its Pasco County footprint with a new restaurant in Wesley Chapel.

Bubbakoo’s Burritos opened Wednesday at 33791 Wesley Chapel Blvd., near Summertree Plaza. The locally owned and operated restaurant is the Jersey Shore-born burrito chain’s second location in Pasco County and 18th in Florida, according to a release.

To celebrate the grand opening, Bubbakoo’s gave the first 30 customers to make a qualifying purchase on Wednesday one free burrito per month for a year, the announcement says.

Bubbakoo’s specializes in customizable burritos, bowls, quesadillas and other Mexican-inspired dishes known for creative flavor combinations, incorporating American comfort food and Asian cuisine. The fast-casual restaurant’s menu includes such items as a steak and shrimp hibachi burrito, a crispy Buffalo chicken quesadilla, a Nashville hot chicken burrito and a California steakhouse burrito.

Customers can also skip the menu entirely and “create something different,” the release says. To build your own creation, customers choose one of eight proteins ranging from hibachi steak to carnitas, or two vegetarian or vegan bases before selecting from toppings including brown rice, black beans, corn salsa and more. Customers then pick from eight different sauces including ghost pepper, Sriracha ranch and Southern-style barbecue.

“We’re thrilled to expand upon the 17 existing Bubbakoo’s locations in Florida and welcome the Wesley Chapel community to the brand,” Chris Ives, CEO of Bubbakoo’s Burritos, says in the release. “Each new restaurant gives us an opportunity to introduce more guests to the bold flavors, and customized experience that have made Bubbakoo’s a fan favorite.”

Paul Altero and Bill Hart founded Bubbakoo’s in 2008, opening the first restaurant in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. The chain has since grown to more than 140 locations in 17 states, the release says.