How Bert Mueller Built California Burrito Into a Rs 338 Crore Food Business in India
An American college visit to India in 2010 led to the creation of California Burrito, a Mexican quick-service restaurant chain that has expanded to 128 outlets and reported Rs 338 crore in revenue for FY25.
What Happened
Bert Mueller first visited India in 2010 as part of a college programme while studying music and public policy in the United States. During his trip, he observed a growing consumer interest in Mexican food alongside a clear gap in the quick-service restaurant market.
Using personal savings, Mueller, alongside co-founders Gaelan Draper and Dharam Khalsa, established California Burrito. The team chose Bengaluru for their initial launch after considering several locations, citing the city’s large population of young professionals, demographic diversity, pleasant weather, and accessible rental costs. The first restaurant commenced operations at Embassy Golf Links in October 2012. Draper and Khalsa eventually exited the venture, leaving Mueller as the sole owner.
To connect with Indian diners, the brand tailored its offerings by introducing substantial vegetarian items—such as paneer fillings—and initially describing tortillas as “corn chapatis” to simplify menu concepts. While the company experimented with India-inspired burritos early on, it later shifted focus toward authentic Mexican recipes. To preserve authenticity and control expenses, California Burrito collaborates with local farmers across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to cultivate fresh ingredients, including jalapeños, tomatillos, and Hass avocados.
Key Highlights
- Inception: Conceptualised following founder Bert Mueller’s 2010 college visit to India and launched in October 2012 in Bengaluru.
- Funding & Ownership: Established using founders’ personal savings; Mueller became sole owner following the exit of co-founders Gaelan Draper and Dharam Khalsa.
- Current Scale: Operates 128 outlets across five major markets: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, Gurugram, and Chennai.
- Financial Performance: Reported Rs 338 crore in revenue for FY25.
- Localised Sourcing: Sources key produce like avocados, jalapeños, and tomatillos through farming partnerships in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Why This Matters
The trajectory of California Burrito reflects the evolving consumer appetite for international quick-service dining concepts in India. By combining authentic regional Mexican flavours with strategic menu modifications like paneer options and sourcing specialised produce locally, the company established a scalable supply chain and a sustainable business model in the competitive food and beverage sector.
What to Watch Next
California Burrito is targeting further market penetration in the organised quick-service restaurant segment. The company has announced plans to establish approximately 90 to 95 additional outlets across India over the next two years.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where did California Burrito open its first outlet?
The first California Burrito outlet opened in October 2012 at Embassy Golf Links in Bengaluru.
Who founded California Burrito?
The company was founded by Bert Mueller along with Gaelan Draper and Dharam Khalsa, with Mueller later becoming the sole owner after the co-founders exited.
What is California Burrito’s current footprint and revenue?
As of FY25, the brand operates 128 restaurants across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, Gurugram, and Chennai, reporting Rs 338 crore in revenue according to the company.
Where does the chain source its authentic Mexican ingredients?
California Burrito partners with farmers in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to locally grow ingredients such as Hass avocados, jalapeños, and tomatillos.
Source: Report based on details published by News18 and California Burrito company information.