California Tortilla at Bradlee: Free Burritos on Thursday, Oct. 2

Let the festivities begin: The brand-new California Tortilla opening at Bradlee Shopping Center in Alexandria will offer free burritos and a drink Thursday, Oct. 2, the day before its official opening.

The first 20 people in the door on Thursday will receive free burritos for a year, said District Manager Carlos Lagunas. The restaurant will open its doors at 11 a.m. Thursday.

Free burritos will be handed out at specific times on Thursday: From 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 5-7:30 p.m.

In addition to burritos, the menu includes fajitas, nachos, quesadillas, salads, tacos and burrito bowls. Chicken tortilla soup and turkey chili, both spicy, are also on the menu. Desserts include brownies and cookies.

California Tortilla began its expansion in 2003, when restaurant veterans Bob Phillips and Keith Goldman purchased California Tortilla, a two-unit fast casual concept in Maryland. Since then, the franchise has expanded to more than 35 locations across Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia, serving fresh, made-to-order, delicious, award-winning signature burritos, quesadillas, salads, and other Cal-Mex favorites.

PHOTO: Interior of a California Tortilla restaurant (not Bradlee); photo courtesy of California Tortilla