New eatery dishes out Mexican fare

 

by LAUREN PHILLIPS, The State News
Published September 1, 2005
Read the full article at The State News

 

From their ingredients and prices to the design of the restaurant, Big Ten Burrito has one theme: simple.

A refreshing addition to Grand River Avenue, Big Ten Burrito is a moderately priced Mexican food restaurant located at 403 E. Grand River Ave. The original branch of the restaurant opened in Ann Arbor a year and a half ago.

Its menu offers straightforward selections: burritos, chimichangas, quesadillas, nachos, salads and tacos. The ingredients are listed right on the menu. The prices are rounded to the dollar, so you know what you owe before a button on the cash register is pushed.

The Chicken Deluxe Burrito is a popular menu item for its flavor and size. Most of the menu items come with a $1 deluxe option, which includes sour cream and guacamole. The giant-size burritos are two regular-size burritos laid side by side and rolled together for one massive meal for an extra $3.

The food comes fresh daily, co-owner Mike Bostic said. You can taste that in the burrito, which comes packed with rice, chicken, pinto beans, salsa, cheese, sour cream and guacamole.

The amount of food that comes with a deluxe burrito order would suffice for a dinner and at $6 is reasonably priced. Fountain drinks are $1 and are available in one size, or a bottle of water is available for $1.

In the restaurant, there is one long, cafeteria-sized table, with benches that can seat about 30 people. The downside could be less privacy for conversations, but it makes it easy to start a conversation with a neighbor.

It's hard not to notice the modern design and clean lines of the restaurant, as steel beams line the ceiling complimenting the bright red walls.

Co-owner Mike Bostic said the restaurant was designed by a group of architecture professors from the University of Michigan. The table, lamps and counter were carved out of plywood.

The East Lansing location is co-owned by 2005 MSU graduate Luke Bostic and his father, Mike Bostic. When Luke Bostic graduated, he wanted to go into business for himself, Mike Bostic said. In 2004, Mike Bostic asked Big Ten Burrito in Ann Arbor if they were interested in opening a franchise. At about the time Luke Bostic graduated, they agreed.

"It's been packed," Mike Bostic said. "There's a big following from Ann Arbor. Kids who knew about it tell their friends."