Our Story

Barburrito was born from a passion for authentic Mexican cuisine and a vision to bring those vibrant flavors to Canada. Our journey began in 2005 when a group of food enthusiasts, including our founder Maria Gonzalez, realized that there was a gap in the Canadian food scene for genuine, high-quality Mexican street food.

After extensive travels throughout Mexico, learning from local chefs and exploring regional cuisines, Maria and her team returned to Canada with recipes, techniques, and a deep appreciation for the rich culinary traditions of Mexico. The first Barburrito location opened in Toronto, offering a simple menu focused on fresh ingredients and traditional preparations.

Today, Barburrito has grown into a beloved chain across Canada, but our commitment to authenticity remains unchanged. We continue to source the freshest ingredients, prepare our foods from scratch daily, and honor the culinary heritage that inspires us. While we've adapted certain elements to suit Canadian tastes, we've never compromised on the essential flavors and quality that define true Mexican cuisine.

Barburrito founder in our first restaurant

Our Mission & Values

Authenticity

We're committed to honoring traditional Mexican culinary techniques and flavors, ensuring every dish offers a genuine taste experience.

Quality

We use only the freshest ingredients, preparing our salsas, guacamole, and marinades from scratch daily to ensure superior taste and nutrition.

Community

We believe in creating welcoming spaces where people can gather to enjoy good food and company, becoming an integral part of local communities.

Sustainability

We're dedicated to environmentally responsible practices, from sourcing ingredients to packaging, minimizing our ecological footprint.

Meet Our Team

The passionate people behind Barburrito's authentic Mexican flavors

Maria Gonzalez

Founder & CEO

With a passion for authentic Mexican cuisine and over 20 years in the restaurant industry, Maria founded Barburrito to share her love of traditional flavors with Canada.

Sofia Rodriguez

Executive Chef

Trained in Mexico City, Sofia brings authentic recipes and techniques to our kitchens, constantly innovating while respecting traditional Mexican culinary heritage.

Carlos Mendez

Operations Director

Carlos ensures all Barburrito locations maintain consistent quality and service standards, bringing his expertise from managing successful restaurant chains across North America.

Elena Patel

Marketing Manager

With her creative approach and deep understanding of food culture, Elena helps spread the word about Barburrito's commitment to authentic Mexican cuisine.

David Kim

Culinary Development Chef

David travels between Mexico and Canada, researching regional specialties and developing new menu items that honor traditional techniques while appealing to Canadian tastes.

Our Commitment to Quality

At Barburrito, quality isn't just a buzzword—it's the foundation of everything we do. Every morning, our restaurants come alive as teams chop fresh vegetables, slow-cook meats, and prepare salsas and guacamole from scratch. We believe this daily commitment to freshness is what sets our food apart.

We source ingredients from trusted suppliers who share our values, prioritizing local and sustainable options whenever possible. Our meats are free from antibiotics and added hormones, and we work directly with farmers to ensure the highest standards.

We take pride in making nearly everything in-house, from our signature marinades to our flavorful sauces. This approach not only guarantees better taste but also allows us to control quality at every step. It's more work, but we believe you can taste the difference.

Our commitment extends beyond ingredients to our team members, who receive thorough training in authentic Mexican cooking techniques and food safety. Many of our recipes have been passed down through generations or learned directly from Mexican chefs during our culinary research trips.

Our Achievements

"Best Mexican Restaurant"

Toronto Food Awards, 2022 & 2023

"Most Loved Fast-Casual Chain"

Canadian Restaurant Association, 2023

"Sustainability Leadership Award"

Green Restaurant Association, 2023

"Best Place to Work"

Restaurant Industry Excellence Awards, 2022

Community Involvement

At Barburrito, we believe in being more than just a restaurant—we strive to be an active, positive force in the communities we serve. Our commitment to community involvement takes many forms:

Local Partnerships

We partner with local farmers and suppliers whenever possible, supporting the local economy while ensuring the freshest ingredients for our customers.

Education Initiatives

Our "Mexican Culinary Heritage" program offers cooking workshops in schools, teaching students about Mexican food traditions, nutrition, and basic cooking skills.

Hunger Relief

Through our "Burritos for All" program, we donate meals to local food banks and shelters, helping to address food insecurity in our communities.

Environmental Stewardship

We organize regular community clean-up events and implement comprehensive recycling and composting programs in all our restaurants.

About Barburrito