A concept that has been on paper for nearly 10 years has now become a reality for David and Cara Longo. Burrito Shak opened last week, bringing fast-casual Mexican fare to Hampstead. David, also a co-owner at Inlet 790 Grill & Bar in North Topsail Beach, says Burrito Shak offers fast, fresh, and reasonably priced food in a clean, casual environment.

The menu features burritos and burrito bowls, tacos, quesadillas, nachos and salads. Longo says some of the most popular items during the first week of business have been the S-turn burrito and the Shak tacos. The S-turn features rice, beans, cheese, roasted peppers and onions, a roasted poblano crema, queso, and lettuce. The Shak tacos come with cheese, a chipotle chili sauce, sweet chili slaw, pico de gallo and lime sour cream. All menu items offer a choice of protein: diced grilled chicken, diced grilled ribeye, slow-roasted pulled pork, or tempura-battered fried cod.

All of the sauces are prepared fresh daily, and there is a salsa bar with a variety of house-made salsas. All menu items are also served with chips and salsa.

“The freshness of our sauces and salsas, as well as our proteins, is really what sets us apart from any of the chains that offer similar menus,” David Longo said. “We make everything daily and flavor and quality are our main goals.

David Longo, a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, designed not only the menu but the interior of the restaurant as well. In fact, he not only designed it, he built it all himself. Several of the walls are covered in silver corrugated metal and the booths are built out of basic plywood, giving it a beach-shack kind of feel. A gray concrete floor and blue paint complete the coastal vibe.

The 2,400-square-foot space seats about 50 people. Beer is available by the can and bottle. Hours are Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Burrito Shak is located at 15489 Hwy 17 N., Suite 1 in Hampstead.

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