Courtesy of Viraag Patel
Key Points
- Burrito Guyz aims to open its first Florida location in Apopka in December, bringing international flavors to Central Florida's growing city.
- The Patels will operate the Apopka location under Paddy Patel’s Investment Group at Lake Carter Exchange.
- The family plans to open 12 locations in Central Florida and subfranchise others across Florida and Georgia, offering customizable menu items.
Canadian food chain Burrito Guyz will soon make its Florida debut in Apopka, with the opening expected in December.
“We are excited to bring Burrito Guyz to Apopka and become part of this growing community,” said co-owner and operator Viraag Patel in an Aug. 20 news release. “Apopka is one of Central Florida’s fastest-growing cities, and we believe residents will enjoy our fresh ingredients, customizable menu, and the unique international flavors that set us apart.”
Viraag’s father and business advisor Bhaskar Patel said the international flavors are derived from India, Thailand, and the Mediterranean and are supplemented by “the standard Tex-Mex menu.” Both Viraag and Bhaskar are especially excited by the Indian flavors offered, whether through butter chicken or paneer, a soft cheese that looks similar to tofu.
“The paneer itself doesn’t have much of a taste, but the sauce on that — what you marinate it with — that’s what gives it the flavor,” Bhaskar said.
The Patel family began discovering the Apopka community after enrolling children at Central Florida Preparatory School.
“My kids go to school in Apopka,” Viraag said. “We used to drive up and down from Dr. Phillips, basically … It’s an hour drive back, so sometimes we’d have to wait in the area for their activities to finish. So we just drove around, and the growth was amazing.”
The Patels, who will own and operate their location under Paddy Patel’s Investment Group, eventually settled on opening at Lake Carter Exchange, at 2895 Ocoee Apopka Road, Building 2, Suite C. Viraag Patel noted that, apart from the Mecatos Bakery & Café, the area has few dining choices.
“There’s a hospital there, as well, that has 900 people working there, and the only place they have to eat is the cafeteria in the hospitalitself,” he said.
The Patels aim to open 12 locations in Central Florida and subfranchise others throughout Florida. Viraag’s brother, Krunal, serves as co-owner and will also help with future locations in Georgia.
“Our goal is to create a dining experience that offers something for everyone,” said Krunal Patel in the release. “Whether a guest wants a traditional steak burrito, a butter chicken bowl, or something completely customized, Burrito Guyz delivers bold flavors, quality ingredients, and endless possibilities.”