The Tampa Bay fast-casual restaurant market continues to attract expanding concepts, with Bubbakoo’s Burritos opening its newest Florida restaurant in Wesley Chapel.

The New Jersey-based Mexican-fusion chain opened at 33791 Wesley Chapel Boulevard, near Summertree Plaza, on September 16. The location is locally owned and operated and represents Bubbakoo’s second restaurant in Pasco County, joining its existing Zephyrhills location. (Patch)

The opening brings Bubbakoo’s to 18 Florida locations. The concept, founded in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, in 2008, has expanded to more than 140 restaurants nationwide. Its menu centers on customizable burritos, bowls, tacos and quesadillas, along with fusion offerings incorporating flavors ranging from hibachi to Nashville hot chicken. (Business Observer)

Tampa Bay Part of a Larger Expansion Strategy

The Wesley Chapel opening comes as Bubbakoo’s accelerates its national growth. The company has stated a long-term goal of reaching 300 locations within four to five years, supported by continued franchise development and investment in its operating infrastructure. (Bubbakoo’s Burritos)

Tampa Bay is already becoming an important market for the brand, with locations in Plant City, Riverview and Zephyrhills, in addition to the new Wesley Chapel restaurant. (Patch)

From a commercial real estate perspective, Bubbakoo’s is particularly notable because of its flexible site requirements. The company says it typically targets 1,200 to 2,200 square feet and can occupy end-cap, inline and freestanding locations as well as second-generation restaurant spaces. Preferred sites include high-visibility locations with 20,000-plus vehicles per day, convenient access, strong daytime populations and complementary retail co-tenancy. (Bubbakoo’s Burritos)

Restaurant Growth Follows Tampa Bay’s Expanding Suburbs

Wesley Chapel and the broader Pasco County market continue to attract restaurant and retail operators as development expands north of Tampa.

For commercial property owners and developers, the arrival of another growing national concept demonstrates the continued demand for well-positioned retail space along Tampa Bay’s suburban growth corridors.

Bubbakoo’s expansion also provides another example of how emerging restaurant brands are looking beyond Tampa’s urban core and targeting rapidly developing communities throughout the greater metropolitan area.

As population and commercial development continue pushing outward, markets such as Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Riverview and Plant City remain areas to watch for additional restaurant and retail expansion.

Bubbakoo’s Burritos expands its Tampa Bay footprint with a new Wesley Chapel restaurant as the fast-growing Mexican-fusion chain continues its national expansion.