Restaurants & Bars

MoCo Restaurant Chain Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Throwback Prices

California Tortilla, the fast-casual restaurant favorite rooted in Bethesda, will mark its 30th anniversary with special prices.

California Tortilla, the fast-casual restaurant favorite rooted in Bethesda, will mark its 30th anniversary with special prices on June 18.
California Tortilla, the fast-casual restaurant favorite rooted in Bethesda, will mark its 30th anniversary with special prices on June 18. (Courtesy of California Tortilla)

BETHESDA, MD — California Tortilla, the fast-casual restaurant chain that originated in Bethesda, will mark its 30th anniversary with special prices on June 18.

In a return to original 1995 pricing, customers can enjoy $5 burritos and bowls all day at any California Tortilla location. The $5 offer is valid for one item per guest, in-store only.

"We’ve been proudly serving our guests since 1995, and reaching this 30-year milestone is a true testament to their loyalty and passion,” said Keith Goldman, president & CEO of California Tortilla. “We wouldn’t be here without them, and we’re excited to celebrate with the people who got us here. Our burritos and bowls have always been fan favorites, and rolling back the prices to $5 just like it was in our early days felt like the perfect way to celebrate."

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California Tortilla opened its first location in Bethesda in 1995, bringing a fresh take on fast-casual Mexican cuisine to the area. What started as a single neighborhood restaurant has grown into a regional brand with a loyal following across the Northeast.

The company credits the success to a commitment to high-quality ingredients, bold flavor combinations, and a guest-first culture.

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Courtesy of California Tortilla

There are 27 California Tortilla restaurants in Maryland, Virginia, D.C., West Virginia, South Carolina, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

The Maryland sites are at 4871 Cordell Ave. in Bethesda, plus locations in Annapolis, Bowie, Columbia, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Mount Airy, Olney, Potomac, Silver Spring and Waldorf.

Guests can enjoy chef-crafted burritos and bowls such as the California Screamin’, Blackened Chicken Caesar, Crunchy BBQ Ranch, Carnitas Verde, Honey Lime, Sunset, or Classic. Custom bowls are also available, made to order with fresh ingredients. Each dish can be elevated with the brand’s signature sauces or a selection from the Wall of Flame, which features 75 distinct hot sauces ranging from mild to meltdown.

About California Tortilla:

California Tortilla serves a chef-inspired menu of “California-style” Mexican food, including burritos, tacos, bowls, and salads. Since 1995, “Cal Tort,” as it is known, has brought a fresh perspective to Mexican food by offering bold and exciting flavor profiles, high-quality, fresh ingredients, and an array of sauces and toppings. The company has earned numerous accolades, including being named one of FastCasual.com’s “Top 100 Movers & Shakers,” Washington City Paper’s “Best Fast Casual in D.C.,” and Washingtonian’s Best Mexican, Best Taco, Best Burrito, Best Kid Friendly Restaurant, and Best Vegetarian offering.

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