Our franchisee spotlight features JT, owner of the Monkey Junction Burrito Shak in Wilmington, NC. Located just 15 minutes north of Carolina Beach, the Monkey Junction Burrito Shak serves up flavorful burritos, bowls, quesadillas, salads, and tacos for the perfect meal fresh off the surf. The community hub was opened in 2019, and JT took over ownership during the Summer of 2021. JT started working at sixteen-years-old as a Kitchen Helper for a Religious Retreat House washing dishes and prepping food. After a journey through education and the sciences, he found his path back in the industry where he first began work. We are excited to share with you JT’s entrepreneurial process and Burrito Shak experience as he continues to serve quick, accessible meals and vacation vibes to the Wilmington community, no matter the season!
What was your background / career before becoming a franchise owner with Burrito Shak?
JT attended John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio. In 2006, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in English. He continued with schooling and two years later, he earned his Master of Education. He began working in higher education as an Admissions Representative for Capital University in Columbus, Ohio while his wife, Rachel, finished pharmacy school at Ohio State University. In 2012, the couple moved to Wilmington where JT began working in Corporate Recruiting and Headhunting. In 2020, with the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, the market for his work declined. This led JT to begin researching franchise opportunities.
What drew you to the Burrito Shak opportunity?
There were two main factors that attracted JT to the Burrito Shak opportunity. He loved and continues to enjoy the high-quality food that is dished up daily and he was able to meet with Dave, Founder and CEO of Burrito Shak. The COVID-19 pandemic made it challenging to meet with people in-person. Therefore, JT said that being able to “meet with and learn from the person that started the franchise was huge.” This afforded JT to get “a kind of access / perspective” that he did not find with any other place.
What is your favorite Burrito Shak Menu Item?
“The S-turn burrito” was and remains JT’s go-to item. His love for this dish began before buying into the franchise. JT admits that he is “a big queso fan!” This delicious burrito is packed full of rice, beans, cheese, roasted poblano crema, roasted peppers and onions, queso, and lettuce. Besides queso, JT explained that he “also loves the poblano crema.” However, you can try JT’s specialty order and substitute it for the jalapeño crema when it is available.
What advice would you give someone interested in this opportunity?
JT shared that it is easy to “get bogged down and distracted with everyday issues.” Therefore, “mapping out and writing down your goals from the start” is very important. He said, “keeping the big goal visible and front of mind is huge.”
What gives you the most satisfaction as a Burrito Shak Franchisee?
“Seeing improvement” gives JT the most satisfaction as a franchisee. He shared that he likes when he can pull himself “out of the weeds and look at the business as a whole.” He also explained that he enjoys realizing “both the growth we’ve had and the opportunities we have to grow and improve even more, it’s exciting.” JT is passionate about the industry and surrounding community. He appreciates and looks forward to speaking and sharing experiences with other business and restaurant owners. As well, JT stated that the camaraderie of giving and receiving help between entrepreneurs is “awesome.”
Which of the Burrito Shak core values speaks to you the most?
JT connects most with the Burrito Shak value of Creating a Gnarly Community. This value speaks to being driven and inspired by the community at Burrito Shak which includes the team, owners, and, of course, customers! “At the beginning I was stressed about running out of rice, but over one and a half years into this, easily the biggest concern is my team and the work environment. Having a strong community, inside the store and being involved outside, is key.” Burrito Shak is a village, and we are so happy to have JT as part of the Shak family!
If you are considering restaurant franchise opportunities and want to serve your local community fresh food that’s Quick, Crafted, and Coastal, be sure to take a close look at new Burrito Shak opportunities that are now available in both North and South Carolina!