Operations

Hot Head Burritos marks 2025 with record growth

Photo: Hot Head

January 7, 2026

Hot Head Burritos enters 2026 with sustained momentum following a year of steady expansion, product breakthroughs and digital investments designed to help franchisees grow sales across all channels.

The Midwest-born brand expanded its footprint in 2025 with openings in multiple states. In the first quarter, Hot Head Burritos debuted a location in Beechmont, Ohio, followed by a grand opening in Bluffton, Indiana. Midyear growth included a restaurant in Auburn, Indiana, and a second Ohio location in Lima. The brand also introduced new markets in New Jersey and Tennessee, reflecting rising demand beyond the Midwest.

Expansion will continue in 2026 with several scheduled openings. Early plans include a Decatur, Indiana, location, with additional sites slated for Newburgh, Indiana, and Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The Murfreesboro site is expected to open this summer, according to a press release.

Culinary development

A new steak marinade created with Nestlé Professional Solutions supported the Steak Power Bowl and other high-protein items. Mexican rice became available systemwide, while Cinna Crisps and Loaded Potatoes entered testing in Dayton. The brand's toasted burritos and bowls saw category growth of more than 15% year-over-year. Additionally, the Ghost Pepper Burrito earned national recognition from Flavor & The Menu's "Best of Flavor 2025."

The leadership team also garnered industry attention. Co-Owner and Vice President Kelly Gray was featured in FastCasual's "Women in the Lead" edition, and the brand appeared in the Franchise Times Top 400 list.

Operational innovation

The brand's tech platform — supported by Qu, Punchh, Momos and the newly implemented Bikky — provides operators with data on customer feedback and menu performance, according to the release. Catering and delivery capabilities were bolstered through partnerships with Fooda and DoorDash Drive. At the Groveport, Ohio, restaurant, Fooda drove more than 120% year-over-year growth and now represents about one-third of annual sales.

"Our digital investments give operators more control, tighter insights and a clearer path to stronger weekday sales," Peter Wiley, vice president of marketing and IT, said in the release. "Partnerships like Fooda and DoorDash Drive are helping locations expand reach and bring new revenue channels directly into the restaurant."

Founded in 2007, Hot Head Burritos has more than 80 locations across eight states.

Included In This Story

---

Qu

Qu is the restaurant technology company evolving POS, responsibly, for a more sustainable future. With the industry’s first unified commerce platform, Qu’s fully integrated products go beyond fragmented ordering and tech experiences to create healthier connections for restaurant operating teams and their many stakeholders.

Request Info

Learn More