BULLARD, Texas — In a small East Texas that continues to see growth and prosperity, one family-owned restaurant is winning over locals with authentic flavors, personal service and prices that won’t break the bank. Aztec Burrito, at 475 E. Main St., has become a beloved community fixture by offering fresh, homemade Mexican food in a friendly, down-to-earth setting.
Owner Gonzo Escatel opened Aztec Burrito with his wife and children in December 2017, betting that this growing town just south of Tyler needed a place for real Mexican cooking. Nearly seven years later, that bet is paying off. “We are not a franchise… We are family-owned, family-run — just me, my wife and a couple [of] kids,” Escatel said. That family presence is felt by customers the moment they walk in, from the warm greeting at the counter to the care put into each order.
Authentic Menu Adapted to Local Tastes
Aztec Burrito’s menu reads like a tour of Mexican street food favorites: tacos loaded with grilled meats, oversized burritos blanketed in queso, cheesy quesadillas and even hearty tortas (Mexican sandwiches). One specialty is the “Cali burrito,” a California-style burrito packed with carne asada steak (or other meat) and grilled bell peppers and onions – a flavorful West Coast twist that has earned its own fan following. Each dish is prepared to order with fresh ingredients.
When Escatel first opened, he aimed to bring the full flavor of his heritage to Bullard. Escatel initially offered more traditional items like barbacoa (tender slow-cooked beef), tripe and even tongue – dishes beloved in Mexican cooking but less familiar to some East Texans
He gave out samples of barbacoa to curious diners but quickly learned Bullard’s crowd preferred the basics. “They said, ‘It’s good, I love it, but I’ll stick with my steak burrito,’” Escatel recalled. In response, he trimmed down the menu and focused on the staples customers craved.
That flexibility has paid off. Locals and even out-of-towners have developed a taste for Aztec Burrito’s style. Some patrons drive in from nearby Tyler (about 15 miles north) just to grab lunch. Escatel says those customers often tell him his food has a special touch. “People come from Tyler… they say, ‘Your taste is different,’” he said proudly. In a region where Tex-Mex chain restaurants abound, Aztec Burrito offers something a little more authentic – a difference customers clearly appreciate.
Quality Food on a Budget
Even as prices for ingredients have surged in recent years, Aztec Burrito has worked hard to stay affordable for the community. Most combo plates on the menu cost around $10 to $12, making it feasible for families to dine out without sticker shock. Escatel acknowledges it hasn’t been easy. “We got hit with increases on all the products… people started to watch their budget,” he said of the inflation pressure during and after the pandemic. “It’s hard… but we’re still here… and we’ll stay here for many more years,” he added, underscoring his commitment to keep serving despite challenges. We love it in Bullard.
Customers notice the value. “Loved it, best burrito I’ve had in a while,” one customer wrote in an online review earlier this year, noting that the rice and beans were “spot on” as well (restaurantji.com).
Another simply described “tasty, homemade, fresh burritos” (restaurantji.com}, underscoring the authentic flavor that keeps them coming back.
Community Support and Resilience
Operating in a small town has its hurdles. Bullard’s population is just over 3,000, and Aztec Burrito’s off-the-main-road location means walk-in traffic is limited. Word of mouth from loyal locals has kept the restaurant going and steadily growing. Regulars come in weekly for their favorite tacos or Cali burritos, and Escatel greets many by name.
That community connection proved vital when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Like restaurants everywhere, Aztec Burrito faced lean times when dining out halted. “It’s been hard since the pandemic,” Escatel said, adding that many eateries didn’t make it.
Aztec Burrito survived by tightening costs and leaning on loyal customers who continued ordering takeout. As business gradually rebounded, Escatel remained grateful. Some customers who moved away from Bullard still stop by whenever they’re back in town, he said, underscoring the lasting bonds formed over burritos and tacos.
From the steady stream of compliments and clean plates returning to the kitchen, it appears Bullard did need Aztec Burrito – and the town has warmly embraced it. Online, the praise keeps rolling in. One reviewer described the spot as “very nice and clean” with “very friendly and helpful”. (restaurantji.com)
As the lunch rush winds down on a weekday afternoon, Escatel allows himself a moment to reflect. The past few years brought challenges he never imagined but also reaffirmed why he started this business in the first place. Good food, family, and community – those ingredients have carried Aztec Burrito through tough times and made it a Bullard success story.
Escatel is optimistic that as Bullard grows, his restaurant’s loyal circle will grow with it. “We hope to see that light at the end of the tunnel,” he said, looking toward the future. In the meantime, he’ll keep doing what he loves: welcoming neighbors with a smile and sending them away satisfied, one affordable burrito at a time.
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