A LITTLE BIRDIE TOLD US

Austin-based burrito chain rolls out plan to double Texas locations

Freebirds South Congress location Austin

Freebirds is spreading its wings with a statewide expansion.

Courtesy of Freebirds

The Lone Star State’s No. 1 burrito is giving Texas the bird.

Austin-based Freebirds World Burrito, voted by consumers as the most craveable brand for two years running, has announced it plans to double its footprint in Texas in the next five years, opening enough new locations in 2021 alone to make the company the second-largest burrito chain in Texas, according to Freebirds.

Though the burrito biz hasn’t spilled the beans about the specific number of stores it plans to add, nor responded to an info request about particular locations, a Freebirds news release does say the main areas of growth will be in Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston, though the expansion is statewide.

The expansion news comes on the heels of Freebirds’ recent interior and exterior design update, which is rolling out to all 55 locations in Texas and includes style elements that speak to Freebirds’ “deep-rooted state pride and heritage,” as well as updated interiors, colorful graffiti-style murals, and modern furniture.

Freebirds has also expanded its menu beyond its stout burrito offerings to include an array of salads, tacos, nachos, quesadillas, meal kits, bowls, and its most recent addition: low-carb bowls.

“With an updated tech stack in the works, companywide interior design refresh, and incredible tribe members and fanatics, Freebirds is taking flight across Texas. We’re on our way to becoming the biggest burrito chain in the state,” says Freebirds CEO Alex Eagle. “We’re looking at a solid 20 percent growth year-over-year.”

While the expansion could bring the number of Freebirds locations in Texas to well over 100, by comparison, competitor Chipotle has more than 250 Texas locations. But given Texans’ — and particularly Austinites’ — proclivity to support locally spawned businesses, Freebirds’ growth will likely be welcomed by burrito devotees.

Taking Freebirds under its wing is Austin-based firm The Retail Strategy, which provides commercial real estate expertise and deal support for retailers and restaurant chains.

“We are thrilled to partner with Freebirds World Burrito and provide location intelligence and strategic site selection in order to secure optimal locations across the state,” says Lauren Brunner, CEO of The Retail Strategy. “We look forward to being a part of the brand’s growth and helping more people enjoy Texas’ No. 1 burrito.”

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From the Ashes

Barbecue joint with Austin's oldest pit returns after 2020 fire

Photo courtesy of KVUE

The only thing that's not new is the pit.

It may have new walls, kitchen, and staff, but an old staple of Austin is making a comeback.

House Park Bar-B-Que in Downtown Austin reopened on Monday after a devastating fire burned down the long-standing restaurant in 2020.

“This is my baby. I’m happy to be back," Owner Matt Sullivan said. “It's just been a beautiful reincarnation of what we once had.”

The restaurant has been serving Austinites barbeque since 1943, using the oldest fire pit still left in town. Sullivan said the business was owned by the Noel family in the 1950s before it was sold to his parents in the 1970s and 80s. Sullivan then bought it in 2015.

“[Sullivan's father] wanted to save a little piece of Austin, and when I had the opportunity, I wanted to save a piece of Austin myself," Sullivan said. "In a city that’s constantly changing, it was very important for me to keep this place around."

However, in December 2020, a grease fire set the building ablaze.

“We had to rebuild everything from the ground up,” Sullivan said. “We had to replace the plumbing, we had to redo the electrical. The only thing we got to keep was our magnificent [barbeque] pit.”

Sullivan said it took two years just to get permits to rebuild and it was hard not to lose hope.

“After 18 months, it has you wondering if we’re making the wrong choice," Sullivan said. "I'm watching skyscrapers get built faster than I can renovate 1,000 square feet."

However, it was support from customers that kept Sullivan’s passion burning.

“They had the flood, the fire. I mean, basically any kind of natural disaster," Tom Picazo said. "They've been able to plow right through it and keep going."

Read the full story and watch the video at KVUE.com.

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