PUNE: California Burrito, the Bengaluru-born Mexican fast-casual chain loved for its build-your-own bowls, burritos, and tacos, today announced the grand opening of its two restaurants in Pune at Nexus Westend Mall, Aundh, and Mall of the Millennium, Wakad. The launch marks the company’s debut in Maharashtra’s cultural capital and continues the growth push that saw California Burrito celebrate its 100-store milestone earlier this year in February.

“Pune has been on our wish list ever since we heard Punekars ask, ‘When are you coming here?’ on social media,” said Bert Mueller, Founder of California Burrito. “This city’s young professionals, students, and thriving tech corridor mirror the energy that first inspired us in Bengaluru back in 2012. Rolling our Mexican burritos into Pune feels like coming home to a community that already understands fresh food, authentic flavours, and easy convenience.”

Founded in Bengaluru in 2012 by American entrepreneur Bert Mueller, California Burrito pioneered the make-it-yourself Mexican format in India, offering fresh and flame-grilled proteins without artificial colours or flavours. Bert Mueller is a Southern Californian who arrived in India at 22 on a study-abroad semester and never left. A music-and-public-policy graduate, he was struck by how enthusiastically his Jaipur host family embraced a Mexican meal his classmate cooked; the moment seeded a business idea.

Returning after graduation in 2011, Mueller raised US$ 250k from friends and family and opened the first California Burrito in Bengaluru in 2012. He built a supply chain of farm-fresh local produce, even planting 500 avocado trees, and steered the brand from one Embassy Golf Link Business Park outlet in Bengaluru to 103 outlets.

“Crossing 100 stores proved that high-quality produce, transparent kitchens, and digital convenience can scale in India,” Mueller added. “Entering Pune pushes us towards the next century mark.” California Burrito currently operates in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai & Delhi-NCR, with Pune being its newest city addition.

Over the years, California Burrito has stayed true to its mission of serving honestly good food and real Mexican flavors at a price point that people can enjoy every day. Their customers range from young Gen-Z customers hanging out together on Taco Tuesday to full family “Mexican Nights” where everyone from the youngest toddler to grandma joins in the fun at California Burrito.

Bert emphasized his focus on serving fresh & high-quality ingredients to his customers. “In 2020, we scaled up our tomatillo cultivation to improve our salsa. We have subsequently worked on cultivating beans, chillies, coriander, and tomatoes, and employ a team of agronomists to continue improving on our journey to provide real Mexican flavors.”

“Unlike other QSR brands, California Burrito does not operate on a central kitchen model – almost everything is cooked freshly at the store. From the beans and rice to the chicken and paneer, a huge amount of their effort goes into training the team how to cook the food using classic culinary techniques. “Our food is truly, honestly good, and you can taste the difference!” says Bert.

On visiting their Pune stores, it was refreshing to see that they make the food right in front of your eyes on their assembly line and make it exactly how you like it, so whether you’re Vegan, Vegetarian, no carb, or pure non-vegetarian, you get your food exactly customized for you. This flexibility in ordering makes it easy for people with different tastes to dine together at California Burrito.

Punekars are famous for their fiery palate—just look at the city’s devotion to misal pav, that chilli-soaked “rassa” which local institutions turn into a full-blown spice ritual every morning. To greet those heat-loving taste buds head-on, California Burrito offers its brand-new Hot Habanero Burrito, built around a punchy sauce made with habanero peppers—one of the world’s hottest yet most aromatic chillies.

Both stores at Nexus Westend Mall, Aundh, and Mall of the Millennium Wakad are now open and serving – do visit them to experience authentic Mexican flavors.

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MUMBAI: Novotel Hyderabad Airport invites guests on a vibrant and flavour-packed journey across the regions of Oaxaca and Veracruz with its special Mexican Affairs, every Saturday through May, from 7 PM to 11 PM, culminating on 31st May 2025. This exclusive culinary experience showcases the heart of Mexican cuisine, known for its flamed and seared meats, smoky marinades, and bold spices in every bite.      

The event promises an unforgettable gastronomic journey, showcasing flame-grilled meats, smoky marinades, and bold spices that are hallmarks of traditional Mexican fare. The carefully crafted menu is a tribute to the colourful culinary heritage of Mexico, brought to life by Executive Chef Amanna Raju and his talented culinary team. From zesty starters and hearty soups to flavourful mains and vibrant live counters, every element of the evening is designed to evoke the spirit of a true Mexican fiesta.

Guests can begin their meal with a comforting bowl of Vegetable and Bean Enchilada Soup, followed by indulgent starters such as mini corn dogs served with green chili mustard and deliciously crisp pumpkin empanadas. The salad selection is a refreshing mix of textures and flavours, featuring seafood ceviche, spicy Mexican chicken salad with sriracha dressing, and a charred bell pepper salad tossed in chipotle dressing. Classic accompaniments like guacamole, pineapple salsa, and tomato salsa further enhance the experience, adding a burst of freshness and spice.   

The main course includes highlights like chicken quesadillas, calabacitas con queso – a delightful blend of zucchini and corn cooked with cheese and vegetables, and cheese enchiladas. Seafood lovers will relish the Piscado and Camarón Pozole, a traditional Mexican shrimp and fish bisque. At the live counters, guests can enjoy crisp tostadas topped with pico de gallo, smoky corn on the cob, and loaded nachos prepared both vegetarian and non-vegetarian.

Speaking on the occasion, Sukhbir Singh, General Manager of Novotel Hyderabad Airport, said, “We’re thrilled to bring the fiery, soulful flavours of Mexico to Hyderabad. Our Mexican Grill Nights are all about community, celebration, and culinary exploration. It’s a chance for our guests to experience the warmth and richness of Oaxacan and Veracruz cuisine right here at Novotel Hyderabad Airport.”

Executive Chef Amanna Raju added, “From smoky marinades to zesty salsas and cheesy enchiladas, every dish tells a story. We’ve curated this menu with authentic ingredients and regional flair to deliver a true Mexican dining adventure our guests will savour.”

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