Freebirds World Burrito headed to Middle Tennessee

Popular Austin, Texas-based eatery Freebirds World Burrito is bringing its customizable burritos, tacos and salads to the Middle Tennessee market.

The fast-casual restaurant has plans to open its first locations in Tennessee at 3800 Hillsboro Pike in Green Hills in late summer and at Medical Center Parkway and Robert Rose Drive in Murfreesboro in November.

“We love Nashville, and we believe that it really fits us as an organization,” said Freebirds President Bobby Shaw.

Founded in 1987, Freebirds operates nearly 100 locations in California, Utah, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Louisiana. Shaw said the company’s growth plan includes opening four to five restaurants in 2016 and another 10 locations in 2017. The company continues to scout additional locations in the Middle Tennessee market, he said.

“We were looking in a lot of different areas (in Nashville) and we’re being very, very intentional about the real estate choices we make, and it just so happens Green Hills is the site that came to us first,” Shaw said.

Freebirds serves fresh, made-to-order burritos, tacos, nachos, bowls and salads.

“When you look at our food and what helps to set us apart from other concepts, it’s really the fact that we make everything in-house and do locally source whenever possible — that’s really important to us,” Shaw said.

Shaw said attention to details, such as marinating steak for 24 hours before it is grilled, helps elevate the food at Freebirds.

The Nashville and Murfreesboro locations will feature the company’s redesigned look, which includes an emphasis around an open kitchen so guests can watch the food being prepared. Shaw described the aesthetic as “modern” and “farmhouse,” with reclaimed wood, exposed brick and cold-rolled steel finishes.

“We knew it was time to evolve as a brand,” Shaw said regarding the redesign.

Freebirds is preparing to launch a mobile app in June where customers can place orders online for in-store pickup.

Shaw said the company plans to hire about 40 people for its Nashville restaurant. He said Freebirds offers a full career path where employees can start as an “engager” greeting guests at the door and work up to general manager of a restaurant.

In preparation of the Nashville opening, Freebirds plans to bring its new food truck to the market to serve guests from its location on Hillsboro Pike and also at various events around town, such as CMA Fest. The truck will be stationed in Nashville starting Monday.

Freebirds Nashville will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Freebirds is the latest fast-casual chain with an emphasis on fresh foods to target the Middle Tennessee market. Pennsylvania-based Saladworks and Arizona-based Grabbagreen are some of the other chains targeting the area for growth.

Reach Lizzy Alfs at 615-726-5948 and on Twitter @lizzyalfs.