BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. – A fast-growing national restaurant chain is expanding its footprint in Northampton County.
A new location of Bubbakoo’s Burritos, a New Jersey-based chain serving Mexican-fusion cuisine, is coming soon to the Bethlehem Square shopping center at 3926 Nazareth Pike in Bethlehem Township, according to storefront signage.
The new fast-casual eatery will occupy space that previously housed a Subway sandwich shop location, which closed in 2023.
A Bubbakoo’s spokesperson did not immediately return a message seeking more information, including a target opening date.
Bubbakoo’s, co-founded by Paul Altero and Bill Hart in Point Pleasant, N.J. in 2008, has exploded in popularity in recent years following the launch of its franchising model in 2015.
A Bubbakoo’s Burritos location operates in the Creekside Marketplace on Leithsville Road in Lower Saucon Township.
Ryan Kneller
The chain has grown to include more than 150 Bubbakoo’s eateries nationwide, including its first Lehigh Valley location that opened last year in the Creekside Marketplace on Leithsville Road in Lower Saucon Township.
Other regional Bubbakoo’s locations opened on North West End Boulevard (Route 309) in Richland Township, Bucks County in 2021; Route 611 in Bartonsville, Monroe County in 2022; and Forty Foot Road in Hatfield Township, Montgomery County in 2024.
The company attributes its success to its high-quality food that is “fresh, made-to-order and affordable,” as well as its well-trained staff, inviting restaurant design and dedicated franchise partners.
Bubbakoo’s Burritos’ mission is “to connect with our guests and serve them fresh food in a clean restaurant that lives by community involvement.”
Pictured is Bubbakoo’s Burritos’ steak and shrimp burrito.
Bubbakoo’s Burritos
“While the roots of Bubbakoo’s are in the skater and shore scene, all are welcome,” a message on the chain’s website reads. “We believe that service can be the deciding factor in a restaurant’s success and have established our Mission, Vision, and Values to support that belief.”
The chain’s menu includes customizable nachos, burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, hard and soft shell tacos, taco salads, and more.
Customers can build their own entree by picking a protein, such as chicken (crispy, grilled or shredded), hibachi steak or shrimp, ground beef, carnitas, barbacoa or fried cauliflower.
Next, they choose other components such as seasoned brown or white rice; black or pinto beans; a signature flavor (chipotle crema, General Tso’s, sriracha ranch and more); and toppings such as cheese, pico de gallo, pineapple sala, pickled jalapenos and sour cream. Add-ons include guacamole, queso, bacon and more.
Pictured is a Bubbakoo’s Burritos taco salad.
Bubbakoo’s Burritos
Around a dozen signature “Killer Creations” include a Nashville hot chicken burrito, red pepper aioli burrito, Philly steak burrito and Buffalo ranch crispy chicken quesadilla.
Ben Grannick, Bubbakoo’s Burritos’ director of marketing, previously told 69 News that one of the chain’s most popular offerings is the Chiwawa, which is similar to a giant rice ball.
“You can create your Chiwawa any way you like but I would recommend the Buffalo Beef Chiwawa!” Grannick added.
Other menu highlights include chicken wings, curly fries, loaded fries, Southwest potstickers, cauliflower bites and jalapeno poppers.
There are also desserts such as fried Oreos and Love Chips — fried tortilla chips dusted in powdered sugar with a choice of raspberry or caramel sauce.
“Featuring a variety of unique, customizable, wow-worthy menu items, made-to-order with fresh ingredients, Bubbakoo’s Burritos is an award-winning concept consistently ranked among the restaurant and franchise industry’s most elite companies,” a message on the business’ website reads.
For more information, visit bubbakoos.com.