As far as staple locations are concerned, few establishments on or around the campus of West Chester University are as well-known and revered as Burrito Loco. The restaurant, which has been open for 17 years, is well known for its friendly atmosphere and quality food, which includes the infamous Gordo (and double Gordo) challenge. It goes without saying that the California-style Mexican-burrito joint is a widespread favorite among students and faculty of the university.
That appreciation and reverence is a two-way street. Over the course of the next few months, Burrito Loco will be participating in a program known as “Dine and Donate.” Although it isn’t a new program, it hasn’t quite received the attention it deserves. Considering how many of the groups on campus can benefit from it, I’d say it’s something worth taking a look at.
The first of the aforementioned fundraisers will be tied to the school’s Marching Band and various other organizations throughout the Music Department. The operation is actually pretty simple: students, faculty and the public go ahead and eat at Burrito Loco, and at the end of the day, after the total profits for the day are calculated, between 10 and 15 percent of the profits are donated directly to the appropriate organization.
While the first couple of drives will be directed towards the Music Department, later drives will be directed towards the sororities and fraternities on campus and the charities they work with.
When asked why Burrito Loco was so dedicated to raising funds for the school, co-owner Nancy McGovern made it very clear that the continued success of their business was due largely in part to the students and faculty members of the university; this is simply their way of giving back to both the community and the students of West Chester.
“There’s also one more thing,” she said. “It’s also just a whole lot of fun.”
Burrito Loco has always had a knack for working with and supporting the students on campus. McGovern told me that on a yearly basis the restaurant makes a point to hire and employ around 10 students, and that they strive to foster an environment that promotes loyalty and a sense of school spirit within the business. The convenience of the establishment is also not to be forgotten. Besides the obvious acceptance of cash and credit cards, Burrito Loco happily accepts both Flex and Ram Bucks as forms of payment, so to all you students utilizing those programs, go ahead and get your “south of the border” fix whenever you’d like.
Burrito Loco is open Monday through Saturday until 8 p.m., so I’d suggest you all get out there and support your school organizations. For any organization wanting to set up their own fundraiser, Burrito Loco’s website is http://www.burritoloco.us, or you can email McGovern directly at burritoloco@comcast.net.
Ryan Wasser is a fifth-year student majoring in English writings track. He can be reached at RW851045@wcupa.edu.