Emeryville-based Tavistock Restaurants purchased Texas-based Freebirds World Burrito on July 16, 2007. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Freebirds specializes in customized burritos with other menu items including quesadillas, tacos and salads, and prides itself on its unique approach to the business, characterized by the tag line “It’s not normal”.

Freebirds World Burrito will continue to operate as an independent brand in the Tavistock Restaurants portfolio and retain its name and unique URL: www.freebirds.com.

“The strength of this concept can be gauged by the fanatical loyalty of the Freebirds’ customers,” noted Barry Goff, CEO of Tavistock Restaurants. “Currently only in Texas, a goal of Tavistock Restaurants is to expand the brand both inside and out of the state.”

With the acquisition of Freebirds, Tavistock Restaurants owns nine distinct concepts, with 40 locations across the country ranging from fast-casual to fine dining; the focus is on unique, chef-driven seasonal cuisine.

“This is an exciting milestone for our company, and we look forward to growing the brand with Tavistock,” said Alan Hixon, chief operating officer and president of Freebirds World Burrito. “We’re also excited about the synergies of our companies. Both Freebirds and Tavistock share a strong commitment to providing customers with the best product and service possible. We look forward to sharing the benefits of exciting new growth opportunities this combination will provide.”