A second location of the popular national chain Bubbakoo’s Burritos is coming to the Lehigh Valley.
Signs recently went up stating, “Coming Soon” for the fast-casual Mexican-fusion eatery at the Bethlehem Square shopping center, 3926 Nazareth Pike in Bethlehem Township. It’s moving into space previously occupied by Subway.
It’s unclear specifically when the new eatery plans to open. Ben Grannick, Bubbakoo’s Burritos’ director of marketing, couldn’t immediately be reached for details Tuesday morning.
The Point Pleasant, New Jersey-based chain has roughly 150 locations nationally in 15 states. There are 10 in Pennsylvania and about 50 in New Jersey.
The Bethlehem Township location will become the second in the region after Bubbakoo’s opened last summer at the Creekside Marketplace, 1882 Leithsville Road in Lower Saucon Township. That site moved into the former Unrivaled Fitness + Wellness space.
Bubbakoo’s is known for its build-your-own entrees. Think nachos, burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, hard and soft shell tacos and taco salads.
Guests start with a protein choice, such as chicken (crispy, grilled or shredded); hibachi steak or shrimp; ground beef; pork; barbacoa; or fried cauliflower, as a base.
Next, the creation is paired up with a rice and/or beans choice, followed by standard Mexican-inspired toppings.
Over a dozen choices are called “Killer Creations.” These items are handcrafted for patrons. Selections include the “Red Pepper Aioli Burrito,” with choice of protein; white rice; red pepper garlic aioli; pico de gallo; corn salsa; and cheese; as well as the Buffalo Ranch Crispy Chicken Quesadilla, with crispy chicken tossed in buffalo and ranch sauces; and the Pineapple Express Burrito, with crispy chicken tossed in a General Tso sauce; choice of rice; and pineapple salsa.
Additionally, the menu includes an assortment of wings in multiple flavors; curly and loaded fries and various other choices.
Wallet-friendly selections, which are typically ordered as online only, can include two items for $20. Other affordable items are under $8, according to the online menu.
The chain was founded in 2008 along the Jersey Shore by Paul Altero and Bill Hart. It began franchising by 2016 with a large concentration along the East Coast and spanning into the Midwest, according to Nation’s Restaurant News.
Grannick previously told lehighvalleylive.com there are more plans to open a handful more New Jersey restaurants.