Since opening its doors in Plant City nearly two years ago, Bubbakoo’s Burritos has been bringing in crowds with its signature, tortilla-wrapped delicacies.
It’s growth in name recognition and becoming a restaurant hub in town, has earned it the title of Small Business of the Month for August – granted by the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce.
The eatery gives patrons the opportunity to customize their own burritos with an array of meats, seafood, vegetables, and sauces, while it’s being prepared before them.
Bubbakoo’s Burritos was established in 2008 by Paul Altero and Bill Hart, in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. The franchise gradually expanded with restaurants around New Jersey and has ventured throughout the U.S. with a total of 86 locations.
“We’re definitely branching out nationwide and it doesn’t seem like we’re stopping anytime soon,” said Chris Rumsby, regional manager for the Plant City, Zephyrhills, and Riverview branches. The Plant City and Riverview branches were the first to open in Florida, and were followed by more in Zephyrhills, Palm Bay, Orlando, Naples, Melbourne, Lake Mary, Coral Springs, and Deerfield Beach.
“The community of Plant City is really helping to grow the business and to develop the brand recognition,” Rumsby said. “Ever since, it’s been a great ride.”
Building a restaurant in Plant City specifically, was the idea of Tracey Garrison – one of the owners of the franchise. As a resident in town, he felt it was a fitting place to spring up another burrito shop seeing the growth that’s occurring. It was one of the deciding factors that led to the owners making a mark in Plant City.
What’s more, the busy corridor of Alexander Street was chosen as its location to potentially become a geographical advantage, as it’s an “up and coming area,” Rumsby said.
Ricky Kramer is the general manager for the Bubbakoo’s Burritos in Plant City which has 10 staff members and is open seven days a week. He said that navigating through the pandemic was both at times smooth, but bumpy along the way. However, he nor his staff, or first-time customers allowed it to deter them from enjoying its grand opening.
“It’s just a great feeling that people came right in from opening day,” Kramer said. “We had a line from the order-taking spot all the way to the door.”
On the other side of the glass counter, the employees stuff the burritos with whatever meat, seafood, vegetables, or sauces the patrons prefer.
There are diet options that range from Keto, vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian.
“There’s just so many different options and our slogan is “create something different,’” Rumsby said. “There are hundreds of different combinations that people can choose to customize their orders. From steak and shrimp burritos to chicken quesadillas to the Nashville Hot Chicken burrito. We’re constantly rolling out limited-time-offer menu items.”
While patrons enjoy their food and watch TV, Kramer makes his rounds to each table, making sure they’re having a pleasant experience. He and reoccurring customers even know one another on a first-name basis.
The eatery also tries to make itself known out in the community. One way is by partnering with schools for the “Read It, Eat It” program, where students are treated with free food when they’re reading necessary schoolbooks.
“It’s real important for us to be not just a business in the community, but a part of the community,” Kramer said.
He also said that because it’s a small town, employees may have friends or family that will come in as customers.
The restaurant has an app that notifies users about discounts and promos, as well as the option to order food and have it delivered through third-party services such as Uber Eats.
“I think the quality of the food really sets us apart from what (our competition) might be doing, and I think that in this time, a lot more people are focused on better quality of food, fresher prepared foods,” Rumsby said. “I do believe the food sells itself in a sense, and match that with our customer service and the hospitality that Ricky and his team provide, it sets us up for success overall.”
This year’s revenues have exceeded last years and Kramer plans to throw an appreciation party for his employees, recognizing them for their work ethic.
The food chain will have more to celebrate with the soon-to-come corporate store based in Orlando and more restaurants springing up in Jacksonville and Miramar.
“I think that Florida will be one of the fastest growing markets aside from what they did in New Jersey from 2008 to now,” Rumsby said.