Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 24, 2026

Barberitos

Barberitos is an American franchise restaurant chain of Mission burrito-inspired restaurants based in Athens, Georgia, United States. The company name is a portmanteau of founder Downing Barber's last name and burrito.

Last revised
Jul 24, 2026
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≈ 1 min
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Source
Wikipedia ↗
Barberitos
Restaurant information
EstablishedJanuary 2000 (2000-01)
OwnerWoworks
Previous owner
Downing Barber
Food typeTex-Mex
LocationUnited States
Other information
As of August 2023, there are 46 franchise agreements for Barberitos in the Southeastern US.
Websitewww.barberitos.com

Barberitos is an American franchise restaurant chain of Mission burrito-inspired restaurants based in Athens, Georgia, United States. The company name is a portmanteau of founder Downing Barber's last name and burrito.1

History

The idea of the restaurant developed when Downing Barber tried eating a healthy diet without a budget, while noticing a restaurant in Aspen, Colorado serving fresh food to customers. The original Barberitos in downtown Athens opened in January 2000.2 The company struggled early on, but started to turn things around by 2010.2

In 2019, NFL player and UGA alum David Pollack joined Barberitos as the brand's ambassador.3

On February 20, 2020, Barberitos celebrated its 20th anniversary.4

In May 2022, the company was acquired by Woworks.5

Franchises

Franchising for the company began in 2002;6 as of August 2023, forty-six restaurants are operating through the Southeastern United States.6

Mascot

The company mascot is Pepe, a grinning chili pepper wearing dark glasses and clutching a burrito.

References

References

  1. Ketron, Jamie (February 20, 2014). "Barberitos Opens Second Location "Campus Barbs" near ETSU". Mitch Cox Companies. Retrieved September 2, 2020.
  2. Elan, Elissa (April 5, 2010). "Barberitos: Fast-casual Mexican chain's chief exec says opportunities for expansion are starting to heat up again". Nation's Restaurant News. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  3. "ESPN's David Pollack Named Barberitos Brand Ambassador". QSR magazine. Retrieved 2020-09-02.
  4. O'Donnell, Caitlin (February 18, 2020). "Barberitos: A fresh take on food that's grown in 20 years". Athens Banner-Herald. Archived from the original on 2020-02-19. Retrieved 2020-09-02.
  5. Fantozzi, Joanna (May 13, 2022). "Woworks acquires Barberitos and Zoup Eatery". Nation's Restaurant News. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  6. Lerch, Denali (February 19, 2020). "Barberitos to celebrate its 20th anniversary on Feb. 20". The Red and Black. Retrieved 2020-09-02.
External links