Burritos and Pig Roasts: The Burrito Shack Mixes it Up

With the summer heat moving in, Wilton’s taste buds could use a little spice.  The, formerly known as T’s Place, has a hot grill, outdoor seating and a brother and sister team ready to serve a Mexican-style menu.  

The Burrito Shack opened five years ago after the owner of Georgetown Saloon, Tom Kolkoski, sold the establishment.

“The shack originally started when I was working at the Saloon,” John Wilson, the owner of the Burrito Shack, said. “ ‘T’ sold the saloon and was looking for a kitchen and we decided to open it as a deli,” he explained.

Wilson had worked as a chef at Georgetown Saloon for twenty-five years, and his sister, Melissa, worked there as a waitress for fifteen. Mellissa, who has only worked at the Burrito Shack for a year-and-a-half, always greets customers with a big smile.

“When we originally came here, we were called ‘T’s Place,’” Wilson said. “We were selling so many burritos we decided to change the name a year and a half ago.”

When Wilson and Kolkoski first opened the deli five years ago, three quarters of their menu was American deli food. Since then they have changed the name to the Burrito Shack, and Wilson has been pushing for a more Mexican based menu and environment.

“We have so many people from out West come in here and they love our food,” Wilson stated. “We ain’t no Taco Bell, that’s our motto.”

Knowing that there were several delis on Route 7, Wilson felt that he needed to incorporate something different into his business in order to survive.

“I’m also trying to make it more kid friendly,” Wilson stated. “I make balloon animals for [the kids]; I learned how to [make them at a catering job I had done.”

Catering happens to be a big part of the Burrito Shack’s business. With summer around the corner, Wilson expects business to be booming. Winters are difficult, but the summer catering demand makes up for it, according to Wilson.

“One of our catering specialties is pig roasting,” he said. “That’s one of the things that makes us different.”

Wilson said that regardless of whether the burrito shack is catering an event or cooking on the grill, their pulled pork is the top menu item. On a good day they have about 75-100 customers in and out of their door, he said

“Some of the customers have become like family,” he said. “Sometimes I’ll let them make their own burritos.”

He encourages customers to feel comfortable and refer to him by his longtime nickname.

“Everybody knows me as ‘Johnny Baby,’” he laughed. “I’ve had that nickname for twenty years, and I’ve stuck with it.”

Future catering plans for the Burrito Shack include Georgetown Day where the Wilsons will be serving their savory, summery food straight from the grill. Customers can stop in for a free discount card. For catering requests or to order one of their nine delicious burritos, call (203) 544-9525.