BarBurrito, a new “modern Mexican” restaurant in Ludlow, opened in July.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
LUDLOW — What is modern Mexican food? Bill Collins, co-owner of BarBurrito, is inviting people to come find out.
Collins said the location for the new restaurant, at 319 East St. in Ludlow, was chosen because “Ludlow is a very tight knit town. Everyone supports local businesses.” Having opened in late July, he said, “We couldn’t ask for a better first two weeks.”
Collins, who co-owns the restaurant with Ernesto Quinteros and Manfredy Carballo, said the “most exciting factor” of opening BarBurrito is being able to see Carballo, the long-time executive chef at Center Square Grill, become a restaurant owner. “It was definitely time,” Collins said. Carballo will remain in his role at the East Longmeadow restaurant.
Collins is currently involved in three restaurants: Center Square Grill in East Longmeadow, BarBurrito in Ludlow and a Cajun eatery on the Eastern States Exposition fairgrounds in West Springfield.
The idea behind the restaurant was part practical, part culinary.
“The industry as a whole is in challenging times,” Collins said. The cost of ingredients has skyrocketed, with some prices as high as Collins has ever seen them. In addition, the minimum wage is increasing across the country. When entry level positions are paid more, he said the rest of the staff wants commensurate raises.
Based on these factors, Collins said the business model for BarBurrito is “a small footprint” with the ability to run the restaurant “at a reasonable food cost. We wanted to offer the same quality [as Center Square Grill], something delicious, but that can be profitable in trying times.” If BarBurrito is successful, Collins said he would be open to expanding the concept to other areas.
Describing the restaurant experience, Collins said it was “modern Mexican, casual dining with counter service. It’s a healthy way to have a quick meal.”
The menu offers appetizers, salads, tacos, quesadillas and sandwiches, with most items on the menu priced at $10 to $15. Collins said BarBurrito specializes in what he called “awesome, elevated tacos.”
Some of the tacos have Asian fusion elements, but Collins said his favorite item on the menu is the birria tacos. “It’s such a craze right now,” he said. He explained that the chef braises the short ribs for six hours and then cooks tomatoes, chilies and herbs in the au jus from the meat.
Customers who are avoiding carbohydrates can opt for a bowl instead of a burrito. There are four signature burritos on the menu, with an option to create your own from available ingredients. Collins added, “I put [our wings] against any wings in the area.”
With the restaurant open and operating, Collins is interested in creating a memorable experience for customers. Reflecting the restaurant’s motto of “burritos, beer, tacos and fun,” he said, “We’re going to work our hardest to provide great modern Mexican food people will enjoy.”
BarBurrito is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.
For more information, visit barburrito.us.
