Start-Up Profile: Freebirds World Burrito

Restaurants & Institutions

Jamie Popp, Senior Editor

Concept: Fast-casual Tex-Mex

First location: Santa Barbara, California

Units: 13 (est.)

Franchise space: 2,500 to 3,000 square feet

Average check: $7.75

Corporate office staff: 11

Brand development: Started by Mark Orfalea and Pierre Dube at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Freebirds World Burrito was an attempt to introduce good food to the campus. Guests customize signature burritos by choosing flour, wheat, cayenne or spinach tortilla and one of five house-made sauces: mild, hot, BBQ, habanero and death.