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every ingredient we serve has to have a purpose. we strive for the unexpected, bold, and addictive flavors influenced by culinary traditions from around the world
our blog posts
BBJ Article: How Boloco came back from the brink of collapse
Click here for link to the story (no paywall) at the Boston Business Journal website. How Boloco came back from the brink of collapse By Jessica Bartlett – Reporter, Boston Business Journal October 15, 2021 In October 2020, the co-founder and “chief worker advocate” of Boston-based Boloco, John Pepper, had written to shareholders that the company Read more about BBJ Article: How Boloco came back from the brink of collapse[…]
“Narrative and feelings”
To our wonderful team at Boloco, Below this note I’ve included this morning’s blog post from our friend Seth Godin who says: “If our goal is to help people make better choices, it helps to first create better feelings.” Read the whole passage… I think you’ll like it. Many of our people at Boloco are Read more about “Narrative and feelings”[…]
Fighting for $15 is No Joke, even on April Fool’s 👊
Oh, it was going to be so hilarious! April Fool’s Boloco-style never used to disappoint. I stressed about this all day, and honestly for many days leading up to it. And here we are at a few minutes before midnight (damn, it’s actually past midnight now), and nothing. I couldn’t do it. Argh! Here it Read more about Fighting for $15 is No Joke, even on April Fool’s 👊[…]
FOMO re Closing to Vote
A lot of companies are “closed” today to allow their employees to vote. We asked our teams in the 3 open restaurants if they, too, would like to close in order to give everyone a chance to vote. They told us that everyone had already either voted or had a plan to vote if they Read more about FOMO re Closing to Vote[…]
Boloco Re-Opening Update – October 9, 2020
BOLOCO UPDATE October 9, 2020 Dear Boloco Shareholders, September was relatively uneventful. We remain open in 2 of the 7 locations (unchanged from last report) and have been working on securing agreements with all landlords to either re-open at reduced rents or to close permanently. We have now received forgiveness of some or all of Read more about Boloco Re-Opening Update – October 9, 2020[…]
BBJ Article: ‘A Band-Aid on a gunshot wound:’ Small businesses desperately look to Congress for more relief
We had set August 28, 2020 as the day we would hand in the keys to all of our landlords in Massachusetts. We had exhausted all options and we knew that we couldn’t knowingly go into a new month – September – and have any hope of repaying our back rents, debts, and accruing liabilities. Read more about BBJ Article: ‘A Band-Aid on a gunshot wound:’ Small businesses desperately look to Congress for more relief[…]
Boloco Re-Opening Update – August 25, 2020
BOLOCO UPDATE: August 25, 2020Dear Boloco Stakeholders,While I realize I’m supposed to be able to steer this ship after so many years at the helm (whether as CEO or Chair), I continue to feel very little control over the direction we go from one day to the next. A few weeks ago I could not see past Read more about Boloco Re-Opening Update – August 25, 2020[…]
The 3 Gs Necessary for Boloco’s Survival
A few weeks ago, I realized that Boloco’s survival was no longer in my hands. Control of our fate rests in what I have shared with a few are the 3 remaining Gs – God, Government, or Gatsby. We used to have other Gs, like Grit, Generosity, Goals, even Gutsy – those still matter, but Read more about The 3 Gs Necessary for Boloco’s Survival[…]
The GW Carver Shake – Even a Peanut Aspires
This past Tuesday morning, I caught a quick glimpse of the final, final draft of a Boloco promotional email that was to be released at 11am. “The Jimmy Carter Shake is Back!” it proclaimed. It went on to share some of the roots our former President had as a peanut farmer – well known to Read more about The GW Carver Shake – Even a Peanut Aspires[…]
Something’s Gotta Change + Free Delivery to Your Door
Imagine there’s no Grubhub, It’s easy if you try No DoorDash or UberEats Lets distribute that big pie, Imagine all the people living for today Imagine there’s no Postmates It isn’t hard to do Higher wages and benefits And vacation too Imagine all the people, for once, living real lives You may say I’m a Read more about Something’s Gotta Change + Free Delivery to Your Door[…]
And the Reopens Begin
Boloco re-opens on May 4, 2020 in Hanover, NH (yes, at Dartmouth College!) as well as Berklee College of Music and Boston Children’s Hospital in Boston. Safety measures are top priority. We’ll be doing a lot of delivery. PPP Funds are helping us pay our team members even if they can’t work – all others not working are receiving the enhanced Read more about And the Reopens Begin[…]
An Update to the Boloco Team – Patriots Day 2020
Warriors, Yes, you. Team Boloco! You are Warriors. Keep reading. Your hard work and dedication over the last 4 weeks has proven many different things, but the things that stands out are your commitment , strength and courage . The ability you displayed to come together and fight for everything we have, leaving NOTHING on Read more about An Update to the Boloco Team – Patriots Day 2020[…]
THANK YOU 🙏🏼: $50,000 and 10,000 Boloco Meals donated 💪
Boloco Friends, 3 weeks ago – which feels like 3 years ago – I put out a “Last Call” video. The Boloco Team had nothing more to give and I wanted to share honestly about our situation before closing our remaining doors. When we first thought of our “Feed The Frontline” menu (which was still Read more about THANK YOU 🙏🏼: $50,000 and 10,000 Boloco Meals donated 💪[…]
Supporting the Frontline – the $5 Burrito is back
We are in a crisis. While some are feeling it (far) more than others, very few of us are escaping unscathed. Boloco exists to help others – we are one of 12 Certified B Corp restaurants in the country. Our focus has always been, first and foremost, on the welfare of our own team. Hard Read more about Supporting the Frontline – the $5 Burrito is back[…]
Safety & Gratitude @ Boloco
Dear Boloco Friends, The updates on the COVID-19 virus are constant and ever-evolving. Virtually every company in the country has reached out to its customers to share detailed plans for added safety measures and practices. You can link to our own here . Like so many other local businesses, Boloco will likely face immense challenges in the Read more about Safety & Gratitude @ Boloco[…]
COVID-19 Virus and Safety at Boloco
At Boloco, like so many other businesses you’ve heard from in recent days, your health and safety and the health and safety of our team members have always been a top priority. Today, more than ever, we want to be transparent about some of the actions we are continuing to take and additional safety measures Read more about COVID-19 Virus and Safety at Boloco[…]
Meet Sandra!!!
10 Things you should know about Sandra Vargas How long have you worked at Boloco? 15 years What’s your favorite boloco burrito or bowl? Buffalo burrito with Dark chicken add charred broccoli and Caesar dressing What locations have you worked at? Cleveland Circle, Newbury, Congress, Federal and Commons What’s your favorite color? Baby Blue Where Read more about Meet Sandra!!![…]
Meet John Pepper (Co-Founder)
This is John… 9 Things you should know about John What’s your role at Boloco? Co-founder, Chief Worker Advocate. I was CEO for over 2 decades too. I like to focus on our mission… using our restaurants and food to positively impact the lives and futures of our people. I was addicted to burritos when Read more about Meet John Pepper (Co-Founder)[…]
Our Teams are on R&R Xmas Eve and Day!
It’s that time of year where we slow down and reflect how thankful we are for our loyal guests, our new guests and our amazing team members. Like many of you, we will be closed 12/24 & 12/25 to spend time with family, friends and take a little time to recharge. Yes, it’s true Read more about Our Teams are on R&R Xmas Eve and Day![…]
Meet Max! (Lynnfield, MA)
How long have you worked at boloco? 5 years (with a 3-month hiatus) What location are you currently working at? Boloco Lynnfield What’s your favorite Color? Black (So excited about the NEW look of Boloco)! Where did you grow up? Chelsea, MA What’s your favorite boloco burrito or bowl? Teriyaki with Chicken and our Read more about Meet Max! (Lynnfield, MA)[…]
Meet Natalia!
How long have you worked at Boloco? I have been working at Boloco for 15 years What location are you currently working at? I manage the 50 Congress Street Boloco in downtown Boston. What’s your favorite Color? My favorite color is mint Where did you grow up? I grew up in Medellín, Colombia What’s your Read more about Meet Natalia![…]
MEET Matt!
10 Things you should know about Matt How long have you worked at Boloco? Over 15 years. What location are you currently working at? All over but I am about to return home to where my burrito journey began in Hanover NH. What’s your favorite Color? Red and Black are my favorite colors. Where did you Read more about MEET Matt![…]
TODAY – NEW Elote Street Corn Bowl
We’ve been working hard on a new delicious creation…and we’re psyched to introduce it to you… Elote Street Corn Bowl Packed full of serious flavor and shovel-into-your-mouth type of delicious. Add your favorite protein of choice… humanely-raised white or dark chicken, Grass-Fed steak, Organic Tofu or our freshly sautéed Fajita Veggies. If you don’t dig Read more about TODAY – NEW Elote Street Corn Bowl[…]
Boloco Closed July 4
We’re closed today, July 4… but the original idea was to close on Labor Day. Here’s what happened. During these past few years we have spent a lot of time thinking, and writing, about Labor Day, and holidays in general, and what it really means to the majority of this country’s workers, our own team Read more about Boloco Closed July 4[…]
Sick of Thanksgiving Leftovers? ?
Get $2 off Black Friday through Cyber Monday Just in case you need something to eat other than leftover turkey, this weekend through Cyber Monday we’re going to give you $2 off all orders paid for with the boloco passport. We know it isn’t a $100 laptop but you won’t need to get in line Read more about Sick of Thanksgiving Leftovers? ?[…]
4 Wins in 15 Years = $4 Bowls and Burritos TODAY
Well, well, well THEY did it again!!!! #welldoneboston But you know what, on certain days, it sucks not to have our former cracker jack marketing team chomping at the bit to break some rules, make a ruckus as Seth Godin always says. How badly in moments like these we miss the good ol’ days with Read more about 4 Wins in 15 Years = $4 Bowls and Burritos TODAY[…]
A Special Friend to Boloco and our Mission: JVS
We partnered with JVS (Jewish Vocational Services) 7 years ago. They’ve had a huge impact on the lives and futures of many team members at Boloco over the years. They asked us to share some words about the partnership, and so we did. Here is the article. Many years ago, John Pepper, the Read more about A Special Friend to Boloco and our Mission: JVS[…]
MASS IS CLOSED: Ferris Burrito’s Day Off March 13, 2018
Winter storm Ferris is here! Forecasted to bring up to 18 inches of snow and wind gusts of 50 MPH in Boston, we’re going to play it safe for everyone. Massachusetts Boloco locations are closed today, Tuesday March 13th. Yeah, we know this will create Buffalo or Teriyaki withdrawals for some of you (unless you Read more about MASS IS CLOSED: Ferris Burrito’s Day Off March 13, 2018[…]
Our 1997 Frequent Wrapper Card is Back!
Buy 7 Burritos or Bowls, and your 8th is FREE! Boloco turned 21 this week, and in addition to our throwback 1997 prices and amazing 1997 tunes playing every day in the restaurants, we’re also bringing back our original 1997 Frequent Wrapper Card! Way back in ’97, when we were still called Under Wraps (and Read more about Our 1997 Frequent Wrapper Card is Back![…]
Boloco is 21!
And to celebrate, this entire week we are bringing back: On February 24, 1997, we opened our first restaurant, briefly named Under Wraps (click image for animated Boloco history) at 137 Mass Ave. in Boston. Located across the street from the Berklee College of Music, Under Wraps was a unique restaurant concept specializing in globally Read more about Boloco is 21![…]
Buffalo Burritos > Buffalo Wings … ? > ?
Why wait till the Big Game to get your buffalo fix?! This weekend Americans will chow down over 1 Billion chicken wings.* When #80 helped seal another trip to the Big Game we started thinking Buffalo Burritos. After all, Buffalo Burritos are sooo much better than buffalo wings – no bones, no napkins, no crazy Read more about Buffalo Burritos > Buffalo Wings … ? > ?[…]
Nutella Riots Hit France After Stores Slash Prices
‘This Is Not Normal’: Nutella Riots Hit France After Stores Slash Prices We saw this story about nutella riots in France and we want to make sure that this doesn’t happen here, so please don’t tell anybody about this. If you mention this email at any boloco location today or tomorrow, 1/27/18 or 1/28/18 70% off Read more about Nutella Riots Hit France After Stores Slash Prices[…]
Hot burritos and bowls served until 4PM today
With the famed “bombogenesis” well under way, Boloco locations in Massachusetts will be closing at 4pm (we think we can stick it out safely in Hanover, NH). This will allow our night teams to not have to travel at the peak of the storm. Those of us that are already in the restaurants are ready Read more about Hot burritos and bowls served until 4PM today[…]
Happy 2018, Boloco Family!
Happy New Year, Boloco Family! I’m sending this to all 140 of our Boloco family members. We are a smaller family than we used to be, but, I hope, and I believe, much closer than ever before. I prefer small and close to big and disconnected. I know many of you do too! 2017 Read more about Happy 2018, Boloco Family![…]
Boloco Closed Dec 24 & 25
Hello friends, To give our Boloco family a chance to rest, relax, and enjoy family and friends we are closed December 24 and 25 at all locations – same as last year. Next week we will have reduced hours in the evening (closing no later than 8pm in most locations). No better time than the Read more about Boloco Closed Dec 24 & 25[…]
RANT & RAVE: Price Increases at Boloco
Over the past year we have been slowly rolling out changes to our ordering process and pricing. While many guests appreciate these changes, there are always those who don’t – often for good reasons. Since I’m personally not always appreciative of change or price increases myself, especially when it’s a company or product I love Read more about RANT & RAVE: Price Increases at Boloco[…]
RANT & RAVE: Pricing for Veggies #Scam
For a long time, Boloco has charged guests who order vegetarian burritos or bowls a little less than those who ordered meat. And for about 10 years we charged those who ordered White Meat chicken (something few other burrito joints offer) an extra buck or so compared to those who ordered dark Thigh Meat chicken. Read more about RANT & RAVE: Pricing for Veggies #Scam[…]
Boston Business Journal: “Bringing their B game: Some Mass. companies aren’t focused on profit alone”
In February 2016, Boloco became a certified B-Corp as well as a Delaware Benefit Corporation, joining an inspiring group of companies (Patagonia, King Arthur Flour, Warby Parker, etc.). Our challenge, of course, has been to make sure that in our long-time aspirations to “use business as a force for good” we didn’t let the company Read more about Boston Business Journal: “Bringing their B game: Some Mass. companies aren’t focused on profit alone”[…]
So long Boloco Harvard Square – Hello Zambrero!
Dear Boloco Friends of Harvard Square With a heavy heart, and as many of you already know, Friday (7/28/17) was Boloco’s last day operating in Harvard Square. Our run lasted 19 years and 6 months… most of that time being very, very good for which we are forever grateful to literally tens of thousands of Read more about So long Boloco Harvard Square – Hello Zambrero![…]
OH NO! Harvard?!
Dear friends of Cambridge and Harvard Square, OH YES…The rumors are true. In a few weeks from now, after 19 years, 4 months, and 20-something days (who’s counting, though, right?!) Boloco’s time in Harvard Square will likely be coming to an end. We expected this day was coming for at least a year now, and Read more about OH NO! Harvard?![…]
The Secret is Out… The Flaming Caesar is back!
What a horrible image for such an incredible invention. We can do better and we will. But in the meantime, get over to Boloco today and ask for The Flaming Caesar Today through Sunday (6/18) it’s 20% OFF too. Just make sure you are talking to a human eyeball-to-eyeball when you order… unfortunately no online Read more about The Secret is Out… The Flaming Caesar is back![…]
EXCLUSIVE: Boloco CEO shares brutally honest tale about making it in the restaurant biz
REPRINT FROM FAST CASUAL MAGAZINE: “They just ain’t what they used to be! Very unfortunate, really.” I woke up this morning to a beautiful sunrise on the Atlantic. My second-to-last morning of kids’ spring break. Six days in. I’m finally refreshed and rejuvenated. Amazing what fresh Florida beach front air, warmth, sunshine and a little distance Read more about EXCLUSIVE: Boloco CEO shares brutally honest tale about making it in the restaurant biz[…]
Friday The 13th
Friday The 13th 13% Off Today 11am-8pm In-Store, In-Person Only Print this of Flash it on your phone.
“Walking the Line” at Boloco (DRAFT)
NOTE: This is still work-in-progress… read at your own peril… ——— “What the serious fu%$ Boloco?!” I saw the tweet and winced, knowing with 100% certainty what had just happened. Another long-time fan and friend of Boloco had run across the new ordering format we have been testing in a few of our locations (currently Hanover, Read more about “Walking the Line” at Boloco (DRAFT)[…]
UPDATE: Boloco raises $6,000 for David Ortiz Children’s Fund
Friends, In early July, we announced our goal to raise $34,000 for the David Ortiz Children’s Fund as a ‘thank you’ to David for everything he has done for New England. (click here for the full story). Today, we are proud to announce we have raised $6,000 to date and will be presenting them with Read more about UPDATE: Boloco raises $6,000 for David Ortiz Children’s Fund[…]
The Secret to Big Papi’s Success
Friends, Once every so often, our little restaurant chain allows us to get to know some pretty interesting people. Lately, we’ve gotten to know David Ortiz, aka #34 Big Papi (click here for the full story) We’re doing something special in honor of his last season in the MLB. Here’s the deal… effective until Big Read more about The Secret to Big Papi’s Success[…]
lyft and boloco
Friends, One day in the fall of 2013 I was looking to mix things up a bit (ok, it was a mid-career crisis) and became an Uber driver. My daughter Tibby, who was 9 at the time, helped me get ready for my first ride… our short video is below: After about 50 rides I Read more about lyft and boloco[…]
Raising the Wage at Boloco
December 24, 2015 Dear Team Boloco, Hang on tight… this is a long one. For those of you who get through it all, thank you. If you know you can’t, just watch this video instead… click here or on any of the pictures that follow. Maybe you’ll choose to return here later. Today is a Read more about Raising the Wage at Boloco[…]
Anatomy of a Turnaround (Part I)
For those interested in the anatomy of turnarounds, I occasionally run into documents and emails that I wrote during our most challenging years. Here’s one where I essentially “called the ball”… we were moving into crisis. Of course, sales were still growing, profits at the restaurants were strong, but our day-to-day activities and over-the-horizon plans Read more about Anatomy of a Turnaround (Part I)[…]