Willy's Mexicana Grill Opens 12th Metro Atlanta Location

Willy’s Mexicana Grill, one of Atlanta’s original California-style burrito restaurants, continues to expand with the opening of its 12th location in the metropolitan area. The new restaurant is located at the Mall of Georgia in the Village Shops. The company also announced plans for a Kennesaw location on Barrett Parkway slated to open in late February/early March. The new locations coincide with the introduction of three new menu items: Adobe Chicken, Burrito in a Bowl and Taco Bar To Go.

The new items were developed in response to Willy’s commitment to customizing meals to consumer’s growing tastes. Adobe chicken is fire grilled after being marinated in a flavorful blend of ancho chilies, cumin, onions, garlic, chipolte peppers and oregano. The tender, juicy new meat selection is a delicious filling for Willy’s burritos, salads and tacos. Burrito in a Bowl was created as a lighter, low carbohydrate dining option. Favorite burrito ingredients such as beans, salsa, meats, cheeses and vegetables are layered in a bowl, without the tortilla. Willy’s new Taco Bar To Go is perfect for social gatherings or business functions of any size. Eliminating the need for taking individual orders, each taco bar includes a host of delicious ingredients, equipment and utensils. All that is required is 24-hour notice, the number of guests and meat selection.

Willy’s Mexicana Grill’s commitment to using only the freshest ingredients has struck a positive note with Atlantans who on the average bought over a million burritos from the restaurant chain in 2002. Freezers and microwaves are noticeably absent from Willy’s to keep the concept of freshness true. Every menu item is made from scratch using top-quality meats and produce (guacamole and tomatillo sauce is made twice a day and produce is delivered six days a week) and is custom made to meet individual orders. Vegetarian offerings such as marinated tofu and veggie burritos, tacos and quesadillas are also available. In addition, beans and rice are not cooked in lard or animal products.

“When I opened the first Willy’s, I was confident it would find an audience among those seeking fresh California-style burritos,” said Willy Bitter, President, Willy’s Mexicana Grill. “What I didn’t anticipate at the time was the tremendous growth in the fast-casual segment as it applied to this type of food. Willy’s will continue to grow so long as we’re able to maintain the quality of food and service our customers have come to expect from us.”

Not only is Willy’s a thriving business; it’s a strong community partner as well. Since the company’s founding in 1995, Willy’s has helped raise and has donated money to Atlanta area individuals and non-profit organizations. Currently, Willy’s Mexicana Grill is rewarding customers with special packages of Beechies gum for their monetary support to an employee’s daughter, 17-year old Ana Padila, in her quest for a liver transplant. To date, Willy’s patrons have helped to raise nearly $30,000. Camp Twin Lakes has also been a beneficiary of Willy’s philanthropic support through a special license plate promotion.

Based in Atlanta, Willy’s Mexicana Grill with 12 locations is one of Atlanta’s original California-style fresh-Mexican restaurants. Since its opening in 1995, the company has offered Atlanta diners California-style burritos and a host of menu items made with the freshest of ingredients. For more information visit www.willys.com.