October 30, 2007
Changes Coming to Pedro and Vinny's Burrito Cart
Big changes are in store for the long line of folks standing at the burrito cart outside the CVS on 15th and K streets NW. As of November 15, Pedro and Vinny’s John Rider will be handing over the reins to his new associate and business partner, William Risbrook.
Flyers will go up tomorrow announcing these changes as well as information about the cart's move to the corner of 14th and L. There it will compete against the little yellow Korean BBQ cart.
Fans of the cart love the one-man operation’s Chipotle-sized burritos, full of black or pinto beans, fresh salsa, homemade guacamole and Rider’s homemade Mango Magma (a fruity mango-habanero sauce). Other little personal touches include the opportunity to sample a variety of other hot sauces, make your own change and grab a York Peppermint Pattie when you collect your burrito. Not to mention needing to check his website to make sure he's open.
Don't expect too much to change though. Like Rider, Risbrook is a culinary school graduate and will spend a few days in training with the master, so you can expect the cart to maintain the same tasty, high-quality burritos.
As for Rider, he plans to move to the North Carolina shore and open another branch of Pedro and Vinny's -- indoors. This doesn't mean that John Rider is going away. He has big dreams to open up 100 Pedro and Vinny's within five years, with 20 in the D.C. area. We hope to see him on a local street corner soon.
If you want to grab a taste of the original before the changes go into effect, get there early (11:30) or head over late (1:15) or you'll be waiting for a long time. Though it sure is worth it.
Photo by Kyle Gustafson. Reporting by Matt Bourque.
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Sad to see the man go - he's always so friendly. But happy that the cart is moving closer to where I work!
Those glorious burritos nursed me through several underpaid summers of part-time and internship work. Six bucks for a tasty downtown lunch AND dinner combo -- even Julia's Empanadas can't beat that.
Let's get 19 more of 'em ASAP.
Reins. Like handing over the reins of a horse, not the reign of a country...
This is twice in two days--it's "free rein" and "hand over the reins".
End grammar pedantry.
Is there anything I should know before ordering? Is he nice and patient or is he like the Soup Nazi to keep the line moving?
Bob, he's very patient.
The best thing to do is ask other people in line. They know the score.
This is a pretty money post from the Burrito blog guys about what's available.
Congratulations! The cart is currently right across the street from my office and there was a n extended period when I'd get burrito for lunch almost everday. I love all the varieties of hot sauce (some of which are scorching).
I'm glad to hear the business is expanding and wish these guys all the best :)
They need to offer a real burrito, w/meat.
Soooooo tasty. Big vote for the mango habenero.
I'm bummed that they're moving in the wrong direction -- not in quality or by expanding -- just geographically. I'll still walk the extra 2 blocks uphill both ways in the snow.
Am I the only one who has moved out of town who is seriously thinking about making a trip back just to get one last burrito?
Because I don't think that's such a far-fetched idea.
"They need to offer a real burrito, w/meat."
I'm a hardcore carnivore, but I hate the idea of selling any kind of meat out of that tiny little cart, what with its lack of refrigeration and limited storage space. I think that as long as they're using that tiny cart, they should focus on what they already do so well. (But if they over open an indoor space, I would love some meat options).
14th and L! Sweet. Right by my office.
Good for them, for expanding!
However, I don't get why they are moving accros the way from the Korean Kart. For more competition? To drive them out of business? Maybe I'm just bitter that they are not moving closer to *me*. Suddenly, I'm craving a burrito.