New fast-casual Mexican fusion restaurant opens first location in Cape Coral
Burritodillas and Chiwawas have come to Cape Coral.
You’ll find them and so much more at Bubbakoo’s Burritos which opened Thursday, Sept. 21, on Northeast Pine Island Road. It joins Jersey Mike’s Subs, Lion King, Pizza Hut and Tropical Smoothie Café in the Publix at Del Prado Crossing-anchored plaza.
“I’m a huge fan of Bubbakoo’s Burritos,” said franchise owner Taylor Bidinost, who has been with the company for several years as a general manager and operations manager. “I really believe in this brand. When I started, there were 11 locations. Now there are 120 with more signed on to build.”
It’s the first in Cape Coral and the second in Lee County in the last five months. One opened in Estero Town Commons in April. Bubbakoo’s was founded in 2008 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey.
“We signed the lease here in November,” Bidinost said. “It was supposed to be a conversion but it ended up being a complete build-out. We tore out walls, built walls, rebuilt walls. Everything is new — electric, plumbing. It was more than we initially thought.”
Customers familiar with Tacos El Tequila, the space’s previous tenant, won’t recognize it.
The fast-casual Mexican fusion restaurant is modern and industrial with a surfer/skateboarding theme.
Menu goes far beyond burritos
The innovative food matches that cool vibe.
The Burritodilla is one of Bubbakoo’s most popular items according to Bidinost.
“It’s everything in a burrito put inside a quesadilla,” he said. “It’s our version of a calzone. It’s pretty hefty.”
Quesadillas — including new flavors barbacoa chipotle crema, serrano pepper carnitas and ghost shredded chicken — are also best sellers, along with the mango habanero grilled chicken tostada salad.
The Chiwawa — a panko-crusted cheesy rice ball that’s packed with queso, a choice of protein and toppings and lightly fried — is one of about 15 signature creations.
“We have a huge variety of food,” said Bidinost. “We have steak and shrimp cooked to order for you. We have bone-in and boneless wings, fried cauliflower in any flavor. There’s so much. We make our own taco shells, all the chips and bowls.”
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Entrees include burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, nachos and tostada salads, while lifestyle bowls come in keto, whole food plant, vegetarian and vegan. There are 11 different proteins to choose from along with beans, salsas, rice and more. Value deals, desserts and kids' meals round out the vast menu.
Bidinost will often opt for the steak and shrimp burrito or Nashville hot crispy chicken. And he should know.
“I’ve known the founders (Paul Altero and Bill Hart) since I was a kid,” the New Jersey native said. “And I ate there every day because I worked there.”
Bidinost decided to open his first restaurant in Cape Coral for personal reasons.
“My family lives here,” he said. “My parents have been here for 12 years and I wanted to be closer to them. I’ve lived here on and off and love it.”
More Bubbakoo's on the way
After the Cape location is squared away, Bidinost plans on opening two more locations, either in Cape Coral, Fort Myers or possibly Punta Gorda.
“Location is everything,” he said. “After the next two, I’ll hopefully open even more.”
He said he’s confident in Bubbakoo’s because it’s not like the other fast-casual Mexican places around.
“We are really customer service oriented,” he said. “We try to connect with each guest. We just bring more and try to be a full-service restaurant even though we aren’t.
“We want to be part of the community. We have first-responder discounts ($8 for meal and drink) for example. Once we get established here and get a rhythm going, we will focus on community events.”
In the meantime, Bidinost is all about his new Cape Coral store.
“I’ll be here every day, open to close,” he said.
Bubbakoo’s Burritos, 1751 NE Pine Island Road, Cape Coral; open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily; dine-in, takeout and delivery available; bubbakoos.com or follow on Facebook
Robyn George is a food and dining writer for The Fort Myers News-Press. Send news to rhgeorge@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Bubbakoo's Burritos opens location in Cape Coral
