May 19, 2026
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Bubbakoo’s Burritos is entering a new stage of growth, focused on building a larger, more scalable franchise system. A recent QSR Magazine feature highlighted how the brand is strengthening its infrastructure, refining operations, and preparing for accelerated expansion.
The company currently operates in more than 140 locations across 16 states and plans to reach 300 locations within the next four to five years. According to CEO Chris Ives, the company is now investing heavily in the systems and infrastructure needed to support that expansion. “The biggest change instantly was infrastructure and data,” Ives told QSR Magazine.
One major focus is improving franchisee profitability and operational efficiency. Bubbakoo’s recently simplified parts of its menu, reducing kitchen complexity and shortening preparation times. The company also reworked parts of its supply chain to help improve restaurant-level margins.
“It’s not the sexy stuff, but we’re focusing on stuff that makes [franchisees’] lives easier while also focusing on profitability,” Ives explained. That operational focus reflects a broader effort to support franchisees as the system grows.
Leadership has also increased its investment in technology and guest data systems. The company revamped its loyalty platform and is placing greater emphasis on personalized marketing. Rather than broad promotions, the brand now focuses more closely on customer ordering behavior and repeat visit patterns.
“It’s really focusing on the frequency of what our guests are ordering and why they’re ordering it,” Ives said. “And really personalizing that.” These tools help franchisees better understand customer preferences and support more targeted outreach.
Digital infrastructure continues to play an increasingly important role in the business. Investments in training systems and point-of-sale technology aim to improve order accuracy and provide stronger operational visibility at the store level. These systems become even more important as franchisees scale across multiple locations.
At the same time, Bubbakoo’s continues to differentiate itself through menu customization and product variety. The brand’s “Create Something Different” philosophy lets guests combine proteins, sauces, and flavors in ways that feel personalized. This flexibility supports repeat visits while allowing the company to innovate without introducing excessive operational complexity.
“Menus are definitely our North Star,” Ives said. “We have proteins that competitors don’t make.” That emphasis on differentiation has helped the brand stand out in the competitive fast-casual sector.
The company’s recent growth also reflects continued demand across both new and existing markets. Bubbakoo’s has expanded into states such as Utah and Indiana while strengthening its presence in established regions like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Leadership has also identified Virginia and the Carolinas as key growth markets. Together, these developments point to a brand focused not only on expansion but also on building a stronger long-term operating platform for franchisees.
What This Means for Franchisees
Bubbakoo’s growth strategy goes beyond opening more restaurants. The company is investing in systems, technology, operational efficiency, and franchisee support to help operators scale more effectively over time. Combined with a differentiated, customizable menu and growing consumer demand, these efforts position the brand for its next phase of expansion.
To learn more about the Bubbakoo’s Burritos franchise opportunity, visit the franchise website and download the Franchise Information Guide.
Read the full QSR Magazine feature, “How Bubbakoo’s Burritos is Positioning for Faster, Smarter Growth.”
