2024 was a remarkable year for the emerging franchise brand, Burrito Shak. They opened seven new restaurants across North Carolina. This significant expansion shows the strong market demand for their fresh Mexican concept. It also highlights why entrepreneurs are drawn to this new restaurant franchise opportunity.
Seven New Markets Embrace the Burrito Shak Concept
Founder and CEO David Longo planned to grow Burrito Shak in 2024, but the response was amazing. Franchisees and communities both wanted more restaurant locations. Seven new restaurants opened across North Carolina last year. Each brought the coastal-inspired Baja-Mexican dining experience to eager new customers.
The expansion shows something important about this emerging brand. Communities want what Burrito Shak offers; fresh, made-to-order Mexican food in a relaxed, coastal atmosphere. Each new location found ready customers who were hungry for this quick-casual dining concept.
Here are the seven new locations that joined the Burrito Shak family in 2024:
1. Winterville Burrito Shak
2035 Flower Dr Ste 5, Winterville, NC
Perfectly positioned near Pitt Community College and ECU at the corner of Winterville Pkwy and W Fire Tower Road in the new Lowe’s Foods shopping center.
2. Clinton Burrito Shak
1285 Sunset Ave Ste D, Clinton, NC
Serving the heart of Clinton with fresh, made-to-order Mexican cuisine that the community was craving.
3. New Bern Burrito Shak
2000 S Glenburnie Rd STE 200, New Bern, NC 28562
Bringing coastal flavors to this historic North Carolina town with over 1,600 Facebook followers already.
4. Wilson Burrito Shak
1215 Forest Hills Road NW, Wilson, NC 27896
Located in the Hobby Lobby Shopping Center, next to HOTWORX and near Barton College, perfectly positioned for students and families.
5. Greensboro Burrito Shak
4016-D Battleground Ave, Greensboro, NC
Expanding into one of North Carolina’s largest cities with a proven menu that appeals to diverse tastes.
6. Sneads Ferry Burrito Shak
1064 NC Highway 210 Unit #7, Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
Serving military families and coastal communities with fresh, quality food in a relaxed atmosphere.
7. Porter’s Neck Burrito Shak
188 Porters Neck Rd, Wilmington, NC 28411
The newest addition to the Wilmington area, bringing Burrito Shak’s signature coastal vibes to this growing community.
What This Growth Tells Us About Market Demand
This expansion reveals strong market appetite for Burrito Shak’s concept. Each new location opened to enthusiastic customers who were ready for something different in the Mexican food space. The coastal-inspired atmosphere and fresh ingredients clearly fill a gap in these markets.
According to Burrito Shak’s profile on Entrepreneur.com, the company has been franchising since 2018 and now operates 15 units total as of 2024. This steady growth shows the brand is building momentum in the competitive restaurant franchise market.
Multi-Unit Success: Franchisees Investing in More Locations
What makes this expansion even more impressive is that several of the seven new restaurants were opened by existing Burrito Shak franchisees. These experienced operators already had successful locations running. Because of that success, they chose to invest in additional Burrito Shak restaurants.
This multi-unit franchising is crucial for emerging brands like Burrito Shak. When franchise owners see strong performance from their first restaurant, they often expand their investment. At least three of the seven 2024 locations were opened by multi-unit franchisees who already knew the business model worked.
This shows real confidence in the brand. These franchisees have inside knowledge of the day-to-day operations, customer response, and profitability. Their decision to open more locations speaks louder than any marketing claim could.
An Emerging Brand with Strong Fundamentals
The Mexican food and Mexican restaurant category continues to grow across America. Many concepts compete in this space, but Burrito Shak stands out with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and a coastal, laid-back atmosphere that customers love.
Each location offers the same core menu that attracts loyal customers: chef-crafted burritos, fresh tacos, loaded quesadillas, healthy salads, and hearty nachos. What sets them apart is their commitment to customization and quality. Every meal is made fresh when you order it, using high-quality ingredients that create flavors customers keep coming back for.
The coastal-inspired Baja-Mexican concept fills a unique spot in the market. It’s not just another burrito shop – it’s a dining experience that combines fast-casual convenience with the quality and atmosphere people want.
Smart Investment Opportunity
For entrepreneurs looking at franchise opportunities, Burrito Shak offers attractive investment parameters. The initial investment ranges from $370,225 to $856,500, with an initial franchise fee of $45,000. Franchisees need a net worth of $350,000 and liquid cash of $100,000 to $120,000.
The ongoing costs are reasonable: a 5% royalty fee and just 1% for advertising. Veterans get an extra incentive with 10% off the franchise fee, showing the company’s commitment to supporting those who served our country.
Comprehensive Support System
What makes this emerging franchise attractive is the support system. New franchisees get 100 hours of on-the-job training plus 16 hours of classroom instruction. The ongoing support includes help with site selection, lease negotiation, grand opening support, field operations, and marketing.
The marketing support covers co-op advertising, ad templates, regional advertising, social media, SEO, website development, email marketing, and loyalty programs. This comprehensive approach helps each location succeed from day one.
Strategic Location Selection
The 2024 expansion shows smart market selection. Each of the seven new locations was placed in communities with strong demographics and growth potential. From college towns like Winterville near ECU to military communities like Sneads Ferry, each location serves a specific market need.
The franchise partners who opened these locations understood something important about the brand. Burrito Shak creates community gathering places where people of all ages can enjoy fresh, quality meals in a warm, welcoming environment.
Looking Ahead: More Markets Want In
With plans to expand into South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida this year, Burrito Shak continues building momentum. The success of 2024’s seven new locations shows the concept works across different types of communities and markets.
For entrepreneurs considering their next business move, the timing is interesting. The Mexican restaurant market continues to grow, consumer demand for fresh, customizable food is stronger than ever, and Burrito Shak offers an emerging brand opportunity with solid fundamentals.
Ready to Explore This Opportunity?
Don’t miss your chance to learn more about this growing brand. Burrito Shak’s 2024 expansion shows strong market demand – and there are still prime territories available for the right business partners.
Take the next step today. Request your free franchise information kit and discover how you can bring the Burrito Shak experience to your community. Our franchise development team is ready to answer your questions and show you exactly how this business model works.
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The coastal wave is building momentum. Smart entrepreneurs are already exploring this emerging opportunity. Will you be next?