Why the Kaleidoscope is Trading Burritos for Hot Dogs

The Kaleidoscope Center's most prolific restauranteurs have switched concepts from burritos to hot dogs. The Pound will hold its grand opening July 23 at 11 a.m. 

The Pound, a premium hot dog concept with entrees under $5, replaces Rockin B's Burrito Bandito. The concept had been to provide quality burritos, tacos and more, according to owner Dan Lauriano, but their quality burrito was competing with cheaper foods at the Kaleidoscope.

"We couldn't compete with the food specials around that movie theater and had to pull (Burrito Bandit) out," he said. "I didn't want to make a two dollar burrito … I wasn't going to dumb down the product." 

Rockin B's Burrito Bandito lasted about two years since its May 2011 opening.

"Quality product begins with a quality piece of chicken, pork or steak," Lauriano said. "The problem ... is that those items are expensive and Burrito Bandito is a casual place. It's not going to draw you off of your couch. We were playing to a crowd that was already existing at the Kaleidoscope (which) is located between a movie theater and around restaurants that sell incredibly affordable food."

Along came The Pound and the idea was to serve a quality product that cost a little less, like all-beef hamburger patties, fresh and not frozen according to Lauriano.

"Even with a high quality product, I can still keep the price at an affordable range that certainly accommodates the demographic," Lauriano said. "It's a universal cuisine and price-point-wise, I can compete with anyone on the block."

The Pound will be serving beef that contains zero preservatives, no additives and no fillers and according to Lauriano, they can continue to serve at a higher standard at a cheaper price.

As for Rockin B's Burrito Bandit, it might have a better chance at a different location, Lauriano said.   

"I still believe very strongly that that was a great little burrito shop when it opened," Lauriano said, "and would be a very great burrito shop in any other location, just not around restaurants that are selling vastly different products at a much cheaper price."