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California Tortilla is a fast casual Mexican food restaurant chain that originated in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Its menu is similar to competitors, such as Baja Fresh and Chipotle Mexican Grill. The chain is looking to expand into other geographical areas through franchising.^[1]

The chain was named best "Cheap Eats" in the 2006 Washington Post Best Bets Reader's Choice feature; the paper wrote, "this friendly local chain aims to please." ^[2]

Contents 1 Locations 2 Atmosphere 3 Menu 4 Promotions 5 References 6 External links

Currently, California Tortilla has approximately 29 restaurant locations. They are located in 7 states (Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Florida and Washington DC), however roughly half of the restaurants are in Maryland alone. The world headquarters is also located in Maryland, in the city of Rockville.

The atmosphere in California Tortilla restaurants is "spunky" according the company itself. The restaurant is decorated in bright, bold colors and patterns. Simple things such as pens to sign credit card slips are held to the counter by a large heavy chain to add a fun edge. Signs are also worded in a more humorous way.

The menu consists of a variety of Mexican food. The following are some of the items offered at all California Tortilla locations.

• Classic & Specialty Burritos
• Fajitas
• Quesadillas
• Salads
• Tacos
• Sides & Extras

The biggest focus of the menu at California Tortilla is on burritos. The restaurant offers a large variety of specialty burritos. The most popular burrito is the Blackened Chicken Caesar Burrito, while the Honey Lime and Fajita Chicken are also big favorites. Every month the restaurant also features a different burrito. Some monthly specials have been added to the regular menu after enjoying a large success.

Patrons of California Tortilla experience a wide variety of promotions that offer free food or coupons. Some of the promotions are typical restaurant promotions (buy 7 burritos and get the 8th free), however, some promotions are very unique (such as free Pop-tart day.)

California Tortilla's biggest promotions take place shortly after a new location opens. The restaurant holds a Grand Opening offering free burritos to everyone who comes in. The first 10 people in line also receive a free burrito each week for a year.

The following are a few of California Tortilla's yearly promotions:

• Bonus Burrito Card - Buy 7 burritos and get the 8th free
• Freeze Pop Day
• Monday Night Mystery Prize Burrito Wheel - Every Monday night after 5 pm, anyone who purchases a burrito can spin the wheel and win a prize. The prizes range from a free cookie or brownie to a dollar amount off your purchase.
• Pop Tart Day

1. ^ California Tortilla Franchising Opportunities
2. ^ 2006 Cheap Eats Winners, The Washington Post. Retrieved January 1, 2007

• California Tortilla. California Tortilla - Specialty Burritos Are Our Specialty. (Retrieved Jan. 2007) http://www.californiatortilla.com/index.html
• Donahue, Mary. Silver Chips Online. "The best of the burritos: Determining the best burrito in Blair area". Dec. 20, 2005. (Retrieved Jan. 2007) http://silverchips.mbhs.edu/inside.php?sid=6031

• California Tortilla - Official web site