California Burrito is an Indian fast-casual restaurant chain specialising in Mexican cuisine, including burritos, tacos, bowls, salads, and nachos. Founded in 2012 by American entrepreneur Bert Mueller, along with Dharam Khalsa and Gaelan Connell, the chain introduced California-style Mexican cuisine to India, emphasising fresh, customisable, and sustainably sourced ingredients tailored to vegetarian, vegan, and paleo diets. As of 2025, California Burrito operates over 100 stores across Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Chennai.
California Burrito was founded in 2012 by Bert Mueller, Dharam Khalsa, founder of Mirador and Gaelan Connell inspired by Mueller's study abroad experience in Jaipur in 2010, where he observed a lack of Mexican cuisine in India.[2][3][4][5]
Fundings and revenue
In October 2012, after completing his studies in the United States, Mueller returned to India with $250,000 from personal connections and the founders' savings to open the first outlet at Embassy Golf Links in Bangalore.[6][7][8][9]
The outlet averaged 150 orders per hour in its first three months without official marketing, and generated 0.5 million dollars in revenue in the first year.[10][11][12]
In 2013, the chain raised $750,000 from angel investor Adhvith Dhuddu, enabling expansion to 15 outlets using a company-owned, company-operated (COCO) model.[13]
In September 2016, the company received its second round of investment of INR 8 crore from the same investor.[14]
In 2020, it had 37 stores and ₹4 crore in monthly revenue before a COVID-19-induced dip to ₹25 lakh.[15]
In 2024, California Burrito reported $23 million in revenue according to a CNBC report.[16][17][18]
In 2025, California Burrito launched its 100th store.[19][20]
In September 2025, California Burrito raised ₹100–120 crore (approximately US$11-14 million) from venture capital firm Elevation Capital.[21]
The chain emphasises fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients, adapting Mexican cuisine to Indian preferences with vegetarian, vegan, and paleo options, such as BBQ paneer, chipotle chicken, and crispy mushroom.[24][25]
Tortillas are made from nixtamalised corn and refined wheat flour, likened to "corn chapatis" to resonate with Indian customers.[24]
California Burrito also caters to corporate clients, including Zynga, and maintains a COCO model instead of franchising.[28]
In 2024, the chain employed 1,405 staff and served an average of 2,404 burritos and 4,321 tacos daily.[24][13]
The chain is reportedly planning to launch an IPO.[29]
Locations
As of 2025, California Burrito operates 110 outlets with about 2000 employees across six Indian cities: Bangalore (its headquarters), Hyderabad, Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Chennai.[30][31][21]
Key openings include the 50th store in Chennai in 2023 and the 100th store in Bangalore in 2024.[32][33]
The chain targets urban, cosmopolitan areas with high IT professional and student populations, and plans to reach 300 outlets by 2030 including expansions into Mumbai and Pune.[34][35]
Reception
California Burrito has been praised for introducing authentic Mexican cuisine to India and its cultural adaptation, particularly its vegetarian options and local sourcing.[36][27]
ThePrint highlighted founder Bert Mueller's integration into Bangalore's culture, dubbing him an "American Marwari" for his frugality and Kannada fluency.[37][24]
Forbes India noted its post-COVID recovery and ₹110 crore revenue in 2021, crediting Mueller's focus on fresh ingredients.[26]
Times Now described it as a "200-crore food empire," emphasising its appeal to health-conscious urban consumers.[15]
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