Employee's 'Dream Comes True' As She Becomes Owner Of Popular Restaurant

COLUMBIA, MD — For California-style Mexican food, look no further than California Tortilla, which has come under new ownership at its Columbia location.

For 30 years, the fast-casual restaurant franchise has been opening locations across the country. Now, a former employee has become the owner of California Tortilla.

Erin Bila started working at California Tortilla in Columbia while she was in high school. Now, 18 years later, she's leading the team at the Columbia location, which can be found at 6250 Columbia Crossing Circle.

“My story is a true full-circle moment. Going from team member to franchise owner was a dream come true, and I hope to build something lasting for my family and the Columbia community. My journey is a testament to the impact this brand has had on me and the incredible career opportunities it offers, as well as how amazingly supportive the corporation has been to us and all franchisees. Not very often do you find such a supportive corporation," Bila told Patch.

“After starting a family, and building a career in franchising, the company never left my mind and I realized I wanted to open one myself,” she added. “The energy and experience are what set it apart and what I wanted for my own business. I am excited to own my first location and create something I can pass along to my children someday.”

The Columbia location has been serving the community for three years, but it recently came under Bila's ownership on Aug. 1, she told Patch, along with her partners Rogerio Bila and Dilshad Awan.

“We’re excited to welcome Erin back to the California Tortilla family, now as a proud franchisee,” said Keith Goldman, president and CEO of California Tortilla. “Her passion for the brand and firsthand experience provides her with a unique perspective that will drive success. We can’t wait to see her, and her partners grow their location and share our fan favorites with even more communities in the future.”

The California Tortilla menu features chef-inspired, freshly made creations, including a variety of fan-favorite tacos, burritos, Chef's Bowls, quesadillas, salads and more. Menu items also can be customized.

“Fan favorites include bold, freshly made items like the California Screamin’ Burrito with blackened chicken and creamy queso, the new and spicy Sunset Chicken Melt, and the cheesy Special-dilla loaded with jack cheese, black beans, chicken and spinach. Plus, no visit is complete without a stop at the famous 'Wall of Flame,' featuring over 75 hot sauces to take your meal to the next level," Bila told Patch. “We are currently running a special promo called ‘Sunday Family Day’ in which you get a free kid’s meal for every adult entree purchased at this location only. We are better than ever with the amazingly fresh food offerings you expect from CalTort, along with a better customer service experience.”

While the location primarily serves from the Howard County area, California Tortilla regularly draws guests from neighboring towns who "crave the brand’s one-of-a-kind California-style Mexican food. Additionally, we prepare a vast number of catering orders being delivered round a 20-mile radius from us," Bila said.

The restaurant seats approximately 50 diners and is open Sunday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.