A New Jersey-born Mexican fusion chain known for hibachi-style steak and shrimp and sauces that range from mild to “ghost reaper” hot is scouting Columbia for its next restaurant. Bubbakoo's Burritos is actively looking for operators and real estate in the Midlands, though the company says there's no set date for when a location might actually open.
Michael Lassen, Bubbakoo's vice president for development, confirmed the company's interest in an interview with The State, saying the chain is looking to expand into Columbia and the Midlands. “We are actively looking for operators and real estate (in Columbia) as we speak,” Lassen told the outlet. He pointed to local demographics and the city's proximity to the University of South Carolina as key draws, and said there is not yet a firm timetable on when the first Bubbakoo's may open in Columbia, though active discussions are taking place.
From New Jersey Pop-Up to Southeastern Growth Target
Bubbakoo's was founded in New Jersey in 2008, and the chain's footprint has since spread well beyond its home state. According to the same report, the company's restaurants span New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland and a number of other states. The State reported that Bubbakoo's has expanded to more than 150 locations, while QSR Magazine, in a separate report on the chain's leadership and openings, put the figure at more than 150 locations across 17 states — a reminder that exact counts vary depending on when and where they're tallied.
Lassen has flagged the Southeast, and the Carolinas in particular, as a region he expects to be “a very big success” for the brand, per the article in The State. That ambition lines up with moves already underway next door: Bubbakoo's has signed a two-unit franchise development agreement to bring new restaurants to Greensboro and High Point, North Carolina, according to QSR Magazine. Those restaurants will be developed by Anil Varma, a local entrepreneur who currently operates a Mexican restaurant in Winston-Salem and brings previous experience with Dunkin', the trade publication reported.
A Broader Southeastern Push
QSR Magazine also reported that Bubbakoo's has identified Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem as priority markets for continued franchise development, with opportunities for an additional eight to 10 restaurants — part of a strategy that places a particular emphasis on Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina and New England. The chain already opened its first North Carolina restaurant in Durham in February, with a second location following in Cary in July, per the outlet.
That regional push is backed by a company-wide acceleration. CEO and president Chris Ives said Bubbakoo's has consistently expanded its store count between 20 and 25 units annually since 2021, according to Shopping Center Business. Over the next 12 months, the brand is expanding into areas with high foot traffic similar to its original New Jersey locations, such as college towns and suburban areas in Virginia and the Carolinas, the trade outlet reported, adding that the chain is set to accelerate its expansion with 30 new store openings each year for the next four years as part of nationwide development efforts aiming to surpass 500 locations in the years ahead. Separately, QSR Magazine reported that Bubbakoo's opened eight new restaurants since the beginning of 2026 and was on pace to open at least 10 additional locations by year-end.
What's on the Menu
For Columbia diners wondering what the fuss is about, Bubbakoo's built its menu around customizable burritos and signature items alongside burritos, quesadillas, tacos, nachos, curly fries, tater tots, churro bites and apple pie egg rolls, per The State's report. Lassen told the outlet that the chain prepares made-to-order food with a focus on premium proteins, with steak and shrimp cooked in front of customers hibachi style.
One signature item, the Nashville Hot Chicken burrito, features fried chicken tossed in Nashville hot sauce, with cilantro-lime rice, black beans, shredded cheese, sour cream and tangy pickles wrapped in a warm tortilla. Lassen said the creativity of Bubbakoo's sauces is part of what sets the chain apart, with flavors ranging from mild to wild — General Tso's, sriracha honey, Nashville hot, ghost reaper, garlic parm and Buffalo among them. Potential franchisees interested in exploring the company can visit bubbakoosfranchise.com, according to the report.
