Hot Harry’s Fresh Burritos Inc., a California Mex fast-casual group based in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, announced a partnership between its founder Samir Abdallah and Richard Tarascio, former vice president of Connecticut-based Wayback Burgers, an international burger franchise with more than 100 U.S. locations. Tarascio has been named to the position of president for Hot Harry’s Fresh Burritos Inc. Samir Abdallah will continue his involvement in the company as executive vice president.
“Richard brings a full range of knowledge and skills in food franchising to the Hot Harry’s executive team. He is just what Hot Harry’s needs to bring us to the next level,” Abdallah says. “In the five short months since joining our team, he has worked with our food vendors and shown the way to lowering food costs while maintaining and improving taste and quality.”
The goal for Hot Harry’s Fresh Burritos is to continue serving fresh, made-to-order California/Mexican style food in an inviting, fast-casual atmosphere that everyone can identify with as providing high quality and value laden items on a redesigned, family-friendly menu.
”We’re after the same great taste with an even more assertive emphasis on quality ingredients,” says Tarascio who brought renowned Chef Eamon Lee on board as a culinary consultant.
As for the store atmosphere and operations, Tarascio is working with design professionals—from Lasky Architects based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida—on interior plan updates for new locations and has supervised the redesigned of the company logo to further heighten the Hot Harry’s brand.
“Samir and his family have built an amazing concept,” Tarascio says. “The next step is to expand regionally and nationally. I am excited to be a part of the changes that are being implemented as well as the future growth opportunities that are presenting themselves to us.”
The newest location coming to Connecticut in the next few months will feature the new design. Prospects in the Boston and the Albany and Saratoga, New York, areas are on the active docket. Several prospects will be attending Hot Harry’s first “Discovery Day,” a franchisee recruitment presentation scheduled in January 2016.
“Look for us to be the next big player in the better burrito business segment,” Tarascio says.
Currently, Hot Harry’s has two stores in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, three locations in New York state in East Greenbush, Glenmont, and on Upper Union Street in Schenectady, and a shop in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
