In the tumultuous spring of 2020, as the restaurant industry braced for unprecedented challenges, one Atlanta favorite, Bell Street Burritos, didn’t just survive—it thrived by reinventing itself and reinforcing its commitment to the community. For those navigating the uncertainties of the time, Bell Street Burritos offered more than just food; it provided a sense of normalcy and delicious comfort in a world turned upside down.
Matt Hinton, the founder of Bell Street Burritos, is no stranger to adaptation. His journey began during the Great Recession in 2009 when a canceled class at Morehouse and Spelman universities prompted him to pivot and provide for his family. His solution? Crafting and delivering Mission-style burritos. This was before food trucks were welcomed in Atlanta and before Georgia’s cottage food laws empowered home-based entrepreneurs. In a pre-Instagram and pre-app era, Hinton built his business from the ground up, starting with friends and word-of-mouth.
This grassroots approach resonated deeply in Atlanta, a city still mourning the 2003 closure of Tortillas, a beloved Ponce de Leon eatery that had introduced authentic San Francisco-style burritos to the local palate. Hinton, a Tortillas devotee himself, recognized this void and stepped in to fill it. Around 2010, locals spotted Hinton at Sweet Auburn Curb Market, serving up hefty burritos that evoked, and perhaps even surpassed, the cherished memory of Tortillas. This marked the first brick-and-mortar iteration of Bell Street Burritos, followed by a restaurant on Howell Mill Road and subsequent locations in Brookwood Hills, Stove Works, and Tucker.
Bell Street Burritos' pandemic-ready steak burrito showcases their delicious and convenient takeout options in Atlanta.While Bell Street Burritos has expanded its menu over the years to include quesadillas, tacos, and tamales, the heart of their appeal remains their signature burritos. These aren’t just any burritos; they are generously sized, packed with flavorful rice, green chili peppers, cheese, and a choice of high-quality proteins. Whether you opt for pork, ground beef, tofu, or shrimp, each burrito is a satisfying and customizable meal, enhanced by their perfectly spiced green or red salsa. A key feature that sets Bell Street Burritos apart is the structural integrity of their burritos. The tortillas expertly contain all the delicious juices and fillings without becoming soggy, making them ideal for takeout, refrigeration, or even freezing without compromising their taste and texture.
During the peak of the pandemic lockdowns, Bell Street Burritos proved to be a true lifeline for many, offering a comforting and reliable meal option when dining out was not possible. Even as dining rooms reopened, their burritos remained a staple for those seeking convenient and delicious food at home. Adding another layer of innovation, Bell Street Burritos partnered with Steven Bowe, a neighbor in Tucker with a talent for barbecue. This collaboration introduced smoked meats, including pork and brisket with a tangy barbecue sauce, into Bell Street Burritos’ offerings. These smoked meats became a popular addition to family meal kits and burrito fillings, further diversifying their menu and appealing to a wider range of tastes.
Just as Bell Street Burritos emerged to fill the void left by Tortillas years ago, it once again demonstrated its essential role in the Atlanta food scene during challenging times. Hinton’s guiding principle—”don’t be too attached to the way you have always done things”—is a testament to his adaptability and the enduring spirit of Bell Street Burritos. This philosophy not only ensured their survival through a crisis but also positions them for continued success and relevance in the years to come, solidifying their place as an Atlanta burrito institution.
