#USA #St. Petersburg #Fast Casual #Barberitos #WOWorks

Barberitos Makes Waves in the Fast-Casual Scene

On June 4, 2026, Barberitos, a notable fast-casual burrito brand, was featured in Fast Casual's esteemed Top 100 Movers & Shakers list. This recognition is a testament to the brand's innovative approach, popularity, and substantial growth potential within the fast-casual dining sector. Renowned for its fresh ingredients and health-oriented menu, Barberitos is a proud member of the WOWorks dining platform, which emphasizes better-for-you food options.

As of now, Barberitos operates 45 locations primarily across the Southeastern United States. What's even more impressive is that there are currently 32 additional restaurants on the development pipeline! The brand is set to expand further, having recently signed a franchise agreement that will bring five new units to Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This move highlights Barberitos' commitment to reaching new customers and catering to the growing demand for healthier meal options.

Kelly Roddy, CEO of WOWorks, shared insights on the brand's vision: “Barberitos continues to connect with consumers by delivering on where fast-casual is headed. People want fresh, flavorful food that feels customizable and relevant to their lifestyles. Being recognized as a Top 100 Movers & Shakers brand reflects the strength of our franchise system and the passion of our operators.” This illustrates how Barberitos is not just expanding its locations but is also cultivating a deep connection with its customers by meeting evolving tastes.

The newly agreed expansion into Alabama will have franchisee Kevin Gessert spearheading the opening of these new restaurants. Gessert's personal connection to Barberitos began during his college days at the University of Georgia. “I fell in love with Barberitos as a student at UGA and never found anything quite like it after leaving Athens,” he revealed. This passion for the brand is evident as he prepares to introduce it to an entirely new market, where local residents and fellow UGA alumni have already shown enthusiasm for its opening.

This move comes at a time when consumer interest in health-conscious dining options continues to rise. Barberitos' presence on the Fast Casual list is not only due to the restaurant's unique and flavorful offerings but also reflects a year of robust growth fueled by innovation and strategic expansion. Recent achievements include:

• - The addition of 5 new restaurants planned to open by the end of 2026.
• - Menu innovations like Birria Tacos and Mango Salsa, which cater to current food trends.
• - The introduction of specialized options for health-conscious customers with GLP-1-friendly menu selections and high-protein recipes designed to fit various dietary lifestyles.
• - Enhanced operational efficiency with flexible restaurant formats that align with scalable growth.
• - Collaborations with other brands, like Frutta Bowls, to boost menu diversity and customer engagement.

As Barberitos makes strides in the fast-casual arena, WOWorks is on the lookout for experienced franchisees to join its expanding list of brands. The initiative is aimed at fostering strong unit-level economics and creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs in the fast-casual sector. Interested parties can explore franchise opportunities with Barberitos or other WOWorks brands via their official website.

Established in 2000, Barberitos has become synonymous with fresh, customizable Southwestern cuisine, offering a menu that includes burritos, tacos, salads, and more, all prepared with quality ingredients. Customers appreciate Barberitos' commitment to “The Better Burrito,”a philosophy that prioritizes freshness and flavor. The brand began franchising in 2002 and has positioned itself to lead the fast-casual burrito market since being acquired by WOWorks in 2022.

With a mission to revolutionize fast-casual dining, WOWorks focuses on providing flavorful, healthier meal choices influencing a positive lifestyle. Their growing portfolio encompasses several restaurant brands dedicated to similar principles, making them an attractive prospect for aspiring franchisees aimed at making an impact in the industry.

For further information and to stay updated on Barberitos' growth, keep an eye on their operations as they continue to gain recognition and shape the fast-casual landscape across the nation.