Burrito Shak has now opened a third restaurant at 5916 Carolina Beach Road, just south of Monkey Junction, and the chain continues to grow.

Founder and CEO David Longo announced last March that franchisees Amanda and Jason Fabbie of Hampstead would be the operators of the first Wilmington location.

Longo and his wife, Kara, operate the restaurant’s flagship location on U.S. 17 North in Hampstead, and franchisees Logan and Jessica Sosa opened a Swansboro location in June. The Sosas are slated to open Jacksonville and Morehead City locations as well, as part of their multi-unit franchise agreement. 

While Longo said he is still very hands-on at the Hampstead location, he is focusing heavily on growing the franchise regionally and supporting his franchisees. He said that two new franchisees, Marc Caldwell and Joe Szostak, have signed a lease for a new construction property at 13885 N.C. 50 in Surf City. The new building will be adjacent to Salty Turtle Beer Co. and an early 2020 opening is expected.

All Burrito Shak locations have the same menu, with the ability to offer company-approved specials from time to time. Menu items include tacos, quesadillas, burritos and bowls, as well as the B-shak salad, nachos and children's options. Soft drinks, tea and a variety of cold beers are available. 

Several new menu items were added in May, all featuring Burrito Shak’s pineapple salsa, which was previously only served on specials at the Hampstead location.

“The specials with that salsa were so popular that we decided to add menu items featuring it to our regular menu,” David Longo said. 

Those new items include The Aloha burrito or bowl, featuring rice, beans, cotija, Baja slaw, pineapple salsa, pico do gallo, avocado crema and cilantro, and The Paradise tacos, which feature the same ingredients but without the rice and beans. Both come with a choice of protein: house-spiced chicken, roasted pulled pork, seasoned ground beef, tofu, Carne Asada or battered Atlantic cod. 

On Mondays, Burrito Shak offers the Shak’d Potato, a baked potato topped with a choice of protein, queso, cheese, jalapenos, scallions, pico de gallo, sour cream and cilantro.

“It’s become very popular in Hampstead,” Longo said. “And it’s already starting to catch on here at the new location.”

All menu items are made to order and customers can choose from several house-made sauces to top them off. 

The Carolina Beach Road location embodies the same coastal colors and design elements as the flagship store and seats 58 guests. Online ordering is available, as well as catering. 

“We are happy to bring Burrito Shak to Monkey Junction/Carolina Beach area,” said co-owner Amanda Fabbie. “We have received a warm welcome, and my family and I look forward to continuing to serve the local community.”

Current hours are Monday through Saturday from 11a.m. to 9p.m., with Sunday hours to come. 

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