Hot Harry’s Holds Official Ribbon Cutting
By Robin Vinci | Editor at September 15, 2023 | 2:00 pm | Print
If you are craving a burrito or other Mexican food, you no longer have to drive to the Berlin Turnpike. Two weeks ago Hot Harry’s opened their doors at 1470 East St. On Monday, the City celebrated the new restaurant with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
“We are elated to have them in town. Their reputation already has been outstanding,” said Bill Carroll, economic development coordinator. “The staff is great. It is clean. It is fresh. I am so happy they are here.”
“We are grateful to be in New Britain. There isn’t a lot of Mexican food in the area and it was needed,” said president of the company Richard Tarascio. “We are close to Central Connecticut State University which is a bonus for us. We are a community based business. We like to take care of the community. Our main focus is the people who live in the area.”
Tarascio of Columbia, CT came to the company last year from Wayback Restaurants. The company has been looking for a Connecticut location as its other franchises are located in Massachusetts, New York and Iowa.
So far, Tarascio said the New Britain store has been fantastic and the turnout has been wonderful. Hot Harry’s began in Pittsfield, Mass in 2004 and has been around for 12 years.
“This is our seventh location. We hope to continue growing. Our goal is 200 stores in the next five years,” said Tarascio. “There is a lot of diversity in our food. You could eat here two weeks straight and not eat the same thing.”
The big deal is the Burrito of the Month. This month it is Steak and Potato with home fries, grilled peppers, jack cheese and A1 sauce. Hot Harry’s makes everything fresh including it’s sauces and salsas.
Specials each month will be on their Facebook page and website.
Burritos come in steak, pork, chicken, beef, bean or tofu. Prices for burritos begin at $7.25.
There are also four breakfast burritos. Three have three eggs and one has four eggs. Other foods include bowls, quesadillas, tacos, salads, soups, chilis, nachos and poppers.
“I think it is very convenient for the college,” said Alderman Shirley Black. “This has been vacant for a long time. I am glad they are here. Hopefully we can fill up the other parts of this lot.”
The New Britain store is the first one with the stores new design.
Tarascio said this is his store and he built it personally.
“We wanted an opportunity to be in Connecticut and get a foothold. I hope there will be others in Connecticut, but this is the first one,” Tarascio said.
“We are thrilled to welcome Hot Harry’s Burritos to the neighborhood. They are going to be an incredible addition to our community here in New Britain. It’s nice to have another option on a place to eat,” said Mayor Erin E. Stewart. “I know the college crowd will appreciate it as will the rest of us. It’s great the owner wants to be a big part of the community. Come out and give them a try. I think you will definitely be coming back.”
