Cail and Bill Fairbanks opened Carrburritos in 1997, after three years of planning for their new business. They’d moved to Carrboro from California, where there’s “a burrito joint on every corner.” They weren’t keen on the office jobs they’d found; opening a restaurant would serve the dual purpose of a new career and a place to eat burritos like the ones they’d known in California.
Gail created all the recipes for the new restaurant, advised by a friend who’d lived in Mexico. He didn’t approve of the Frutas Salsa (it was “too gringo”) but thankfully Gail kept it. The Chipotle Salsa was also one of the original recipes, and has become the most popular. And as you may know, in the past fifteen-plus years, Carrburritos has developed a horde of loyal followers. Gail and Bill have recently opened a second restaurant in Davidson, with the help of her sister and brother-in-law.
In 2012, the Fairbankses decided to sell the Chipotle Salsa in jars. There was demand for the product, and Gail had free time. Her friend Diane Volkers also stepped up to be the sales rep. For the uninitiated, Gail describes the Chipotle Salsa’s flavor as medium-hot, thick, rich, smoky, robust, dark, mole-like, and unique. In addition to being a chip-dip, it is great to cook with: mixed with sour cream as a dip, as a chicken rub, or on pot roast. “It hits the low notes,” Gail says.
Visitors in town for only one night choose Carrburritos. So what makes Carrburritos so special? The staff makes the food fresh each day, maintaining a consistent, high quality. It’s “sophisticated food at a cheap price.” A Carrburritos meal has no pretentions; it’s “food for the people.”
Gail says she’s looking forward to sharing the Chipotle Salsa with more and more salsa lovers, and so are we! Pick up a jar to take home, and if you’ve never been to the mother-ship, be sure to visit Carrburritos soon. Check them out online at http://www.carrburritos.com/.