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Opened
at the beginning of 2008 and serving 1000 burritos a week just a
month later, The Mission is getting ready to open six more eateries,
and is leading the burrito boom!
When you're
just about to serve your 10,000th burrito, you're using four
kilometers of tin foil, and 2,500 avocados for the all important
guacamole each month, it's no surprise that the talk is of expansion
at this taqueria.
The Mission
Mexican Grill opened its doors to a waiting crowd buzzing excitedly
with anticipation and rumbling bellies; eager to sample
California-Mexican food at its best. And they weren't disappointed.
This was the
start of a revolution; the sweet smell of salsa and success began
drifting down the cobbled streets in no time. The success that is, of
bringing the fresh, wholesome flavours of the burrito to Oxford, all
the way from the Mission District in San Francisco.
"Since
we turned the open sign around for the very first time, we haven't
stopped to take a breath. Most days we are making burritos non stop -
it's hectic but fantastic! Our chef Victor is amazing - so when you
serve great food and you can't stop to grab a bite yourself, what do
you do - you start thinking about the bigger burrito!" says
owner Jan Rasmussen.
The first
step will be a further addition to the Oxford high street to keep up
with local demand. A following big enough for an impressive Mexican
Wave has established itself, especially amongst American students
studying in the town. This new outlet will also cater for private
parties and functions, as well as serving the late night snacker on
the way to or from nearby bars and clubs.
But is it
possible to replicate the success of The Mission? Jan believes the
popularity is down to a rapidly increasing demand for wholesome,
filling and good value for money food to go. And, having a chef who
knows his pico de gallo from his pinto beans, as well as expert
burrito-makers upfront is essential. Chef Victor will be instrumental
in the successful launch of each new outlet, and asking him if he
knows about Cal-Mex food is like asking Jamie if he knows much about
school dinners.
So where
next? London? Bristol? Birmingham? All are names on the table - and
you heard it here first. The Mission team are hard at work planning
out the expansion of what started as one little burrito joint in
Oxford, and is now set be the beginning of the burrito revolution.
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