This chain is a fast casual burrito chain that are dedicated to providing nutritional, delicious meals that are full of flavor while still being affordable. Freebirds was initially designed with university students in mind, as an alternative to cheap, unhealthy fast food restaurants. They offer a selection of Mexican cuisine.

All of their items are completely customizable and every menu item is made from scratch every day. Their food philosophy is to feed the belly and the soul and their slogan is “Fresh. Honest. Good”. They provide mouth-watering meals, prepared from the freshest ingredients in an atmosphere that will reignite the passion in your soul.

History

The company was founded by Mark Orfalea in Santa Barbara, California in 1987. His initial concept had been to deliver a selection of menu items, including roasted chicken, to the UC Santa Barbara students. After frequently being left with chicken at the day’s end, he started to marinate this chicken in BBQ sauce overnight to make burritos with the next day. This is where the story truly began.

Freebirds World Burrito name was inspired by Orfalea’s father’s favorite song – “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. After spending a few years perfecting the restaurants recipes and hospitality, Orfalea decided it was time to expand and in 1991 he opened a second location. This was based in the Northgate District of Texas A&M University.

It was in Texas that Orfalea met Pierre Dube and employed him to help manage the rapidly growing Texas locations. The restaurants were too far apart for Orfalea to be able to manage them successfully and it was during the 1990’s that Orfalea sold the chain to Dube, while still retaining full ownership of the original California location.

Dube took the Freebirds concept and ran with it. By focusing on the freshness and quality of the food as well as the professionalism of the staff, by 2007 Dube had expanded the company’s empire to 19 locations. It was also in 2007 that Dube sold the chain to Tavistock Group. They have also continued with expansion while staying true to the Freebirds’ philosophy and now have nearly 100 locations across 7 states. 

Review

First and foremost, each location is impeccably designed in a way that transports you to a completely different world as soon as you walk through the doors.  They frequently feature their infamous man on a motorbike, crashing through the restaurant wall. As well as being decorated with incredible graffiti and sky themed ceilings.

While their menu initially appears quite simple, offering: burritos, bowls, salads, nachos, quesadillas and tacos. For each of their items you can choose your protein: steak, carnitas, beef, chicken or vegetarian. As well as choosing from a selection of incredible, made from scratch toppings, sauces and dressings: Spanish rice, hot tomatillo, pinto beans, black beans, habanero sauce, death sauce and many, many more.

They also offer a kid’s menu, along with a selections of beverages, extras and desserts. One of the most popular signature dish choices is their grass-fed steak, the steak is cooked to perfection, wonderfully juicy and tender. Select which flavor tortilla you would like: flour, wheat or cayenne, the choose your fillings. Finally, select a size: freebirds, monster or super monster and you will be in burrito heaven.

Freebirds staff are friendly, efficient and do everything they can to ensure your visit goes over and above your expectations. Their burrito prices range from $6 to $13 depending on which size you choose.  With the majority of their other items ranging around the $6 mark. So if you’re looking for great food, friendly service, a unique dining experience, all for an affordable price, drop into Freebirds today.