| Barberitos | |
| Current-Owner: | WOWorks |
| Previous-Owner: | Downing Barber |
| Food-Type: | Tex-Mex |
| Country: | United States |
| Other-Information: | As of August 2023, there are 46 franchise agreements for Barberitos in the Southeastern US. |
Barberitos is an American franchise restaurant chain of Mission burrito-inspired restaurants based in Athens, Georgia, United States., 46 Barberitos restaurants are operating in seven southeastern United States.[1] The company name is a portmanteau of Downing Barber, company founder, and burrito, a signature item at Barberitos restaurants.[2] The company mascot is Pepe, a grinning chili pepper wearing dark glasses and clutching a burrito.
The idea of the restaurant developed when Barber tried eating a healthy diet without a budget, while noticing a restaurant in Aspen, Colorado serving fresh food to customers. After realizing his dissatisfaction with working in a corporate career, he decided to pursue building a restaurant in Athens. At first, the business struggled, then skyrocketed after a football game between University of Georgia and University of Tennessee. On February 20, 2020, Barberitos celebrated its 20th anniversary.[3]
The original Barberitos in downtown Athens opened in 2000. Franchising for the company began in 2002. In 2019, NFL player and UGA alum David Pollack joined Barberitos as the brand's ambassador.[4]