Bubbakoo's Burritos is thrilled to offer five locations at the Jersey Shore: Point Pleasant
(opened in 2008), Manasquan (since 2009), Brick (new in 2010), Toms River (May 2011) and West Long Branch (September 2011).
You might think 2008 would be a terrible time to open a new restaurant – and in light of the economy, you'd be right. But the founders of Bubbakoo's Burritos, Paul Altero and Bill Hart, believed Point Pleasant was ready for a neighborhood scene with a different mix of food, service, and friendliness.
As a student at the University of Delaware, Paul had developed a business plan for Bubbakoo's Burritos. He was thrilled to unearth the concept of a "fun and fresh" burrito restaurant, but he wasn't sure there was a market for it back home at the Jersey Shore.
Over the course of 23 years, Paul advanced his restaurant management career and had the good fortune of meeting Bill while working for a national corporation. For a full decade, executives on behalf of the corporation, Paul and Bill traveled the country to instill a consistent brand of quality, service, and expectation at each restaurant location.
In time, as Paul and Bill saw national and local restaurants trying to create a "burrito scene," they realized Bubbakoo's was a strong concept that should become a reality in the Ocean and Monmouth County areas. And they believed, together, they had the skills and passion to make it happen.
Bill played a critical role in the destiny of Bubbakoo's Burritos, capitalizing on his culinary training and 15 years of restaurant experience. It's because of his grandfather that Bill developed his love and passion of food!
Taking a giant leap of faith, Bill resigned from full-time employment with a national restaurant chain because he wanted to focus solely on developing Bubbakoo's.
Three years since the official launch of Bubbakoo's Burritos, Paul focuses on the vision of Bubbakoo's, behind-the-scenes management and staff development. He takes great pride in nurturing employees into leaders. Bill operates the restaurants and serves customers with a sense of humor and the tireless work ethic he inherited from his father.
Together, Paul and Bill have striven to create an ideal balance not only for their partnership but the entire Bubbakoo's family of staff and customers.
Bubbakoo's Burritos was an immediate success due to many factors. The high-quality food is fresh, made-to-order, and affordable for kids, families, and seniors. The restaurant is warm and friendly thanks to a well-trained staff and inviting design. The roots of Bubbakoo's are in the skater and shore scene, but all are welcome in what's quickly become a neighborhood hub of activity.
Paul and Bill realize service can be the deciding factor in a restaurant's growth. They believe outstanding service and attention to detail have contributed to the tremendously positive word-of-mouth about Bubbakoo's.
Customers appreciate the consistent, "order as you go" experience at Bubbakoo's. Specific requests make a meal unique, and they're encouraged by the knowledgeable staff. Only the freshest ingredients are used at Bubbakoo's, which features hand-cut Pico de Gallo and scratch-made guacamole.
Signature dishes include the Chiwawa (a seasoned rice ball stuffed with cheese and topped with chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, or vegetables) and El Hefe (a monster-sized dish whose diners are photographed for the restaurant's wall of fame). Bubbakoo's also offers an array of quesadillas, salads, tacos, and, of course, customized burritos.
Bubbakoo's Burritos is proud to be a hospitable, grassroots business where every customer is important. Customers know what to expect when they walk through the door, and if they enjoy the experience, they'll tell a friend.
As a supporter of the local business community, Bubbakoo's purchases produce and supplies from area vendors whenever possible. Bubbakoo's was proud to be honored by the Point Pleasant Chamber of Commerce for Business Excellence, in large part because of the company's local philanthropy and sustenance of non-profit fundraisers.
Despite the challenging economy, Paul and Bill will continue to expand Bubbakoo's Burritos one customer at a time. As opportunities arise, they'll open new restaurants in neighborhoods where they can build bridges with local residents. Bubbakoo's Burritos proudly has evolved into a community where people work, eat, and gather as a family.
