Big Mamma's Burritos brings 'melting pot of American burritos' to downtown Akron
When asked to describe the food Big Mamma’s Burritos serves, just two words came to owner and operator John D’Andrea’s mind: “the best.”
The new quick-serve burrito restaurant opened May 7 in downtown Akron and hopes to bring something different with its burritos, made in just 34 seconds.
“I feel like with anything different you have an opportunity to be better,” D’Andrea said. “With our different flavors and our procedures that we take to make these ingredients so fresh. I feel like it’s pretty unbeatable.”
Amounting to what D’Andrea, 25, of Deerfield described as a “melting pot of American burritos,” the restaurant serves two vegan options and its take on a Philly cheesesteak burrito, as well as toppings like tater tots and bacon. More traditional burrito options are also available.
The store’s bestseller, the Chipotle Ranch burrito, comes in the regular ($7.95) and baby ($5.85) sizes and is also D’Andrea’s favorite. It’s filled with shredded chicken flavored with Big Mamma spices, cheddar cheese, tomato, onion, lettuce and chipotle ranch.
“I can’t work and go home without one. Like I take one home every day,” D’Andrea said with a laugh. “And I’m not kidding.”
Walking into the open space of the downtown restaurant, customers are greeted by a mural touting references to well-known Akron-based industries and features. Against a back drop of the brand’s signature blue, red and orange, a blimp flies above depictions of a rubber duck wearing a Big Mamma’s hat, a copy of the Akron “Burrito” Journal and rock band Devo’s energy dome helmet.
Big Mamma’s Burritos originated in Athens and became a staple for Ohio University students. The Ohio-based chain opened its fourth location in Akron in the former home of Brubaker’s Pub, a local eatery whose downtown location closed in 2020 due to the pandemic and downtown construction.
Big Mamma's also serves up burritos in Cleveland and Columbus
The company also has locations in Cleveland and Columbus. D’Andrea owns and operates the location in Cleveland, where he started as the general manager before rising in ranks.
With regular downtown happenings, the large Ohio University alumni network and foot traffic from the University of Akron and Canal Park, D’Andrea said he hopes the downtown location will be good for business at the new Akron restaurant.
“We’re just really proud and happy to be able to serve the Akron community,” he said. “I’m very thankful for it.”
What else is on the Big Mamma's Burritos menu
Along with burritos, the menu features Mamma Melts, the restaurant’s version of quesadillas, and walking tacos, chips covered in tacos’ traditional toppings that guests can eat on the go. Customers also have the option to build their own customized entrée in the form of a burrito, rice, nachos or salad for $8.50.
After selecting their base, guests have their choice of protein, including chicken, pork barbacoa, pork chorizo, vegan chorizo, steak, beef, chili, bacon, eggs, Beyond Burger and guacamole. Next, they can choose up to three veggies or starches, including tomatoes, lettuce, onion, corn, rice, tots, red pepper, jalapenos, black beans and refried beans. Finally, they have their choice of cheese and salsa.
Currently, the Akron location is closed on Sundays due to staff shortages, but D’Andrea said it eventually plan to be open every day as well as expand its hours.
For D’Andrea, owning a restaurant is his way of serving the community.
“I just love food so much. If there's anything I want to be serving, it’s definitely food,” he said. “Of course, if I’m serving any type of food, I want it to be Big Mammas.”
Details
Restaurant: Big Mamma’s Burritos
Where: 357 S Main Street, Akron
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Saturday, Closed Sunday
Phone: 330-603-9164
Website: www.bigmammasburritos.com
Takeout: Yes
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Big Mamma's Burritos opens new restaurant in downtown Akron
