Local Business

‘Bubbakoo’s Burritos’ Brings Jersey Shore Style, Inspiring Story to Boca Raton

by
Daniel Nee
December 6, 2024

Bubbakoo’s Burritos opens in first location in Boca Raton, Dec. 3, 2024. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

At Bubbakoo’s Burritos, roots matter.

Inside the small restaurant off Palmetto Park Road near the Brightline tracks, neon green signs contrast with black-and-white photos of surfers and skaters, and friendly staff members are ready to guide hungry guests through a menu that ranges from traditional-style burritos and tacos, to a seemingly unlimited number of combinations and some original creations that, if history is any guide, tend to become local staples.

The Boca Raton restaurant, located at 119 W Palmetto Park Road, looks strikingly similar to Bubbakoo’s Burrito’s first restaurant on Bridge Avenue in Point Pleasant, N.J. Founded by two colleagues who became friends while working at a chain burger restaurant, the then-fledgling enterprise opened in the fall of 2008, renting a vacant half of a Jersey Mike’s sub shop. Ironically, Jersey Mike’s was founded in the same Jersey Shore town of Point Pleasant – literally blocks away – and recently sold for $8 billion in a mega-deal with Blackstone Group.

For its part, Bubbakoo’s Burritos has grown to over 130 locations from its humble beginnings, when current company CEO Bill Hart could be seen manning the counter, creating meals to order as a steady mix of workers on their lunch breaks and teenagers carrying surfboards to the beach after school stopped in for the best burrito in town. The crowd, just one day in, looks similar in Boca Raton – the manager himself was once one of the teens stopping by in the original store, and guests were excited to dive into the expansive menu, most of which can be ordered via a smartphone app or instantly at the counter.

Bubbakoo’s Burritos opens in first location in Boca Raton, Dec. 3, 2024. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

“There are a lot of other places you can eat, but our flavor profile blends from Mexican, to Asian, to barbecue,” said Ben Grannick, the company’s market director. “You can add some teriyaki to steak and shrimp, and have some fusion.”

The staples are also popular: ground beef, chicken, steak, shrimp or pork burritos and tacos, traditional salsa, guacamole, queso sauce and more, in addition to the unique flavors such as chipotle crema, Gochujang sauce, a Nashville style chicken burrito, hibachi creations and even a Philly cheesesteak style burrito.

And then there is the Chihuahua, a creation from Bubbakoo’s founders, Hart and business partner Paul Altero, that developed a following in the original store and has become something of a legendary option on the menu everywhere else. The unique dish is a lightly-fried, Panko-crusted cheesy rice ball smothered with melted cheese and a choice of protein and toppings.

“The quality of our food is made-to-order,” said Grannick. “We don’t pre-cook our steak or shrimp, our pico is made daily, so is our guacamole.”

Bubbakoo’s Burritos opens in first location in Boca Raton, Dec. 3, 2024. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

Customer service is the backbone of the business, which has taken on like-minded franchising partners as it has grown. The new Boca Raton store is owned by a veteran franchisee who is expanding the business to South Florida, with locations in Coral Springs and Miramar.

“The customer service is something that we’ve really pushed,” said Grannick. “It has fallen off in some brands, whether food or elsewhere, but it’s a major pillar for us. Customer service is something of a lost art, and we really strive to really perfect it.”

Bubbakoo’s, which draws its name from founder Altero’s college nickname, has also become deeply involved in the communities where its restaurants are located, often sponsoring youth sports teams, partnering with schools and having a presence at nonprofit events.

“All of our franchise partners get involved in the community and local sports,” Grannick said. “We want it to be the place where the kids are comfortable hanging out and families can come and enjoy a meal.”

Bubbakoo’s Burritos opens in first location in Boca Raton, Dec. 3, 2024. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

The restaurant’s Jersey Shore roots also tend to have a positive connection with folks in South Florida, with transplants recognizing the brand and singing its praises to locals. Culturally, the similarities (aside from the weather) are endless, from roots in a tourism-based community, to the surfing-fishing-skating vibe that is present inside.

“We’ve found that it really resonates in Florida,” said Grannick. “The locals love our food and the transplants from the northeast recognize us and love it too – and as much as they love us, we love them tenfold. It’s been really fun to grow in this state.”

If You Go: Bubbakoo’s Burritos is located 119 W Palmetto Park Rd, Suite 300, Boca Raton, Fla., 33432. It is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays.