Dank Burrito, the chef-driven, North-Carolina-born, anything-but-Tex-Mex, fresh-to-death concept will open in Rock Hill in January 2024 at 343 Technology Center Way, Suite 108, near the Rock Hill Sports & Event Center.
The concept with the slang-inspired name (dank means fresh or of high quality) was founded in 2014 as a food truck in Morehead City, North Carolina by Chef Clarke Merrell, the culinary force behind 81 Hospitality Group. The success of the truck, which was named National Food Truck Rookie of the Year and still operates around Eastern NC, led to Dank’s first brick-and- mortar location in Morehead City a year later. Another location opened in 2019 in Raleigh’s Transfer Co. Food Hall.
Drawing heavily on a love of urban aesthetics, hip hop, graffiti, and global street food — artists Pause and DVNS will be in Rock Hill to install their custom work in early December — Dank Burrito serves up one-of-a-kind food in a unique, funky setting.
“Dank Burrito is not your typical burrito joint where the same tired flavors are used,” says Merrell, Dank Burrito owner. “We combine our favorite flavors from around the world with fine- dining techniques to make new kinds of flavor-bomb burritos, tacos, and bowls that you’ll fall in love with over and over again.”
The Rock Hill location will be about 3,300 square feet with 75 seats inside and another 25-30 outside. The restaurant will have five craft beers on tap and an assortment of cans and seltzers available, as well as wine. Franchise owner Justin Miller says the space will be family-friendly with televisions tuned to local sports, and of course, a diverse music selection playing at all times.
Rock Hill is the first of multiple franchise locations Dank Burrito is planning to roll out across the Southeastern United States – specifically the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida – with the long- term goal of expanding the brand further West, says Merrell. Rock Hill location owner Miller says he met with Merrell in Morehead City in 2022, tasted the entire menu and signed the franchise agreement that day.
The menu is the biggest draw, Merrell says, particularly the specials, which can include the Danksgiving Burrito, Cheerwine Beef Quesadilla, Nashville Hot Chicken Burrito and more. Scratch-made ingredients such as salsas, slaws, kimchi and guacamole amp up the dankness.
Among the most popular street food-influenced flavor profiles, which can be ordered as burritos, bowls or tacos:
- Pork Belly: Roasted pork belly, rice, choice of kimchi or bánh-mi pickled veggies, sweet Thai chili sauce, cilantro
- HoneyTruffleBuffaloChicken:House-made ranch slaw with Buffalo chicken, rice, beans, sour cream and cilantro
- Carne Asada: Chili-marinated steak, rice, beans, choice of pico or kimchi, sour cream, and cilantro
- Tree Hugger: Rice, beans, choice of slaw or salsa, sour cream, cilantro, with the option to add guacamole and Vegan Impossible Burger
- Cheesesteak:Shaved ribeye, rice, peppers, onions, mushrooms, American cheese, garlic aioli
The Rock Hill location, conveniently located near the Rock Hill Sports & Event Center and Winthrop University, is expected to open to the public in early January. Download the Dank Burrito app to enroll in Dankster Rewards and find out about gift cards, catering and more.