USA TODAY explores the history and origins of the burrito
USA TODAY’s James Powell spoke with Noe Alcala, executive chef of Lucia Mexican Grill at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, ahead of National Burrito Day.
Burrito lovers, rejoice that this day is just for you and we have some great deals to celebrate.
National Burrito Day is Thursday, April 2, and restaurants are offering discounts to celebrate burrito lovers.
A burrito can be as simple as adding beans, lettuce, and chicken and wrapping it tightly in a tortilla, or as complex as a giant 5-pound burrito wrapped in a tortilla filled with steak, chicken, guacamole, beans, and whatever else you see fit. Either way, you’ll have a whole day to celebrate this iconic Mexican dish.
Here’s what you need to know about burritos and the deals they’re offering on National Burrito Day.
What is a burrito?
A burrito is a Mexican dish typically stuffed with beans, rice, cheese, salsa, vegetables, and your choice of meat such as chicken, steak, or pork.
The burrito was first mentioned around 1895, Noe Alcala, executive chef of Lucia Mexican Grill at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, told USA TODAY.
Alcala said it was originally “very simple,” consisting of ground meat wrapped in a tortilla, making it easy to transport.
“Back then it was a lot different than it is now,” Alcala said.
According to National Today, tortillas weren’t served in American restaurants until the 1930s. They eventually evolved into what we know today and can be found in food trucks, grocery stores, and restaurants across the country.
Alcala added that burritos, like sushi and pizza, were refined in America’s melting pot.
“The only thing left was flour tortillas and protein,” Alcala said. “The rest is pretty much what we decided here in the U.S.: This is what a burrito should be.”
The correct way to wrap a burrito
It wraps up the perfect burrito with evenly packed deliciousness in every bite.
When is National Burrito Day?
National Burrito Day 2026 will be Thursday, April 2nd.
The annual celebration is held on the first Thursday in April, according to National Today.
Qdoba’s free main dish
Qdoba will offer rewards members a free entree with the purchase of an entree and drink, according to a news release emailed to USA TODAY.
This deal is available in Qdoba Rewards Wallet and can only be used on April 2nd. This deal can be redeemed in-store, on the app, or online. However, members with Rewards Gold status have until April 5 to redeem their deal.
To sign up to become a member, visit qdoba.com/rewards or download the QDOBA app.
Chipotle offers $2 million in prizes for National Burrito Day
Chipotle Mexican Grill is offering $0 delivery to customers who order through the Chipotle app, Chipotle.com and Chipotle.ca on National Burrito Day.
For National Burrito Day, Chipotle is bringing back the Burrito Vault game, allowing customers to play for a chance to win lifetime free burritos, BOGO deals, or double protein rewards from March 30 to April 1.
Del Taco free burrito
Del Taco offers Del Yeah! Rewards members who spend $3 will receive a free classic burrito on April 2, according to a news release emailed to USA TODAY.
This offer is valid on National Burrito Day only and can be redeemed in the Del Taco app or at deltaco.com.
dog house 3 dollar burrito
According to a news release emailed to USA TOD, Dog House will give House Rewards members the chance to redeem a House Burrito access pass for $3, valid in-store only.teeth.
100% of profits during National Burrito Day. Donations from access passes are No child is hungry “Supporting the fight against child hunger,” the release states.
Customers who take advantage of this deal will receive a BOGO offer on Dog Haus’ Bad-Ass Breakfast Burritos.Until April 30th.
bogo burrito
According to a news release emailed to USA TODAY, when customers order at Mo’s on National Burrito Day, they can get a buy one, get one free on a burrito, bowl or Mo’ Value meal.
Moe Rewards members will also be automatically entered for a chance to win free burritos for a year with every National Burrito Day purchase, up to 100 lucky customers.
$5 burritos at 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes.
At participating 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes locations, you can purchase a Chicken Fajita Burrito with chicken, sautéed vegetables, and seasonings wrapped in a tortilla for $5.
More National Burrito Day Deals
- Tokaya – Tocaya Rewards members will receive free chips and guacamole with the purchase of a burrito at Tocaya on National Burrito Day.
- huddle house – Rewards Members receive 50% off MVP Burrito Meals when you purchase an MVP Burrito Meal.
- Tijuana Flats – Receive a free “Make It Wet” upgrade with any burrito purchase when customers use code SAUCED26. You can have your burrito topped with queso, red sauce, or verde.
- Taco Cabana – This is my TC! Rewards members get 25% off your order when you buy a burrito.
- hot head burrito – Rewards members can buy one burrito, get one free on April 2nd. This offer can only be redeemed online.
- taco john’s – Rewards members can receive a free burrito on National Burrito Day with any purchase of $3 or more through the Taco John app.
Julia Gomez is USA TODAY’s trends reporter, covering popular toys, scientific research, natural disasters, holidays, and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn ×Instagram, TikTok: @juliamariegz or email jgomez@gannett.com..
