Burrito King Continues Tradition and Recipes of Burrito Royale

Since 1975, Burrito Royale has been a fixture on Route 1 in the Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick. Recently after its owners decided to retire, the Mexican restaurant was purchased and renamed to .

New owner Akin Bodur sat down to give the “whole enchilada” on his latest venture.

“I have been working in the restaurant industry since I was 14 years old,” Bodur said. “My family owns the Efe’s Mediterranean Grill in New Brunswick and just opened a new one in Princeton,” he said.

However, this is the first restaurant that he has ever personally been the owner of.

According to Bodur, he worked at Burrito Royale for one and a half years, when former owner . After some negotiating, Bodur “bit” on a deal, and has since stuck with some traditions, while adding some touches to the restaurant of his own.

“All the recipes are the same as when the restaurant was Burrito Royale. However, I have now added shrimp, fish and steak dishes to the menu,” Bodur said.

The owner also pointed out that the new menu he has created features meals that all meet Halal standards, which he feels is, “good for the community because it will enable me to cater to more people.”

Two of the more popular entrees that Bodur made mention of are the Fish and Shrimp Burritos, both priced at $6.95. Upon looking at the menu, a customer is given the description, “Grilled fish/shrimp, lettuce, tomato, cheese in a flour tortilla with mango salsa.”

After ordering, patrons have the option of taking their meals to go or eating in the small, but authentic looking dining room, which customers have described as having a “special atmosphere,” according to the owner.

If a diner cannot make it to the restaurant, Bodur gave the assurance that there is also a new delivery option he has added. He expressed that he is also able to cater to any large parties.

Looking ahead to the future, the new owner seems to have devised several fresh ideas. He sent out 10,000 menus through direct-mail, which local South Brunswick residents should receive this month. Burrito King also plans to send another 10,000 menus to surrounding businesses and apartment complexes.

“It’s been very busy since I took over. I want to continue to see business pick up and hope to return the restaurant to the popularity it received during the ‘80s and ‘90s,” Bodur said.

In addition to spreading the word about his restaurant, Bodur is also looking to give the building a makeover.

“I am thinking about adding red stone walls and flowers to the front of Burrito King, as well as putting in a new carpet,” the owner shared.

As Burrito King continues to bring in business, Bodur expressed, “I would love to do something big for South Brunswick.”

However, in the present, the new restaurant owner ensured customers, “Everything made here is fresh and there is 100 percent, satisfaction guaranteed.”