A new, fast-casual Mexican restaurant that is being billed by its owner as “Chipotle 2.0” is coming to South San Francisco.
Rafi Haddad, the man behind Guapas Mexican Grill, told The Standard that his restaurant will use more authentic and higher quality ingredients than the ubiquitous build-your-own burrito chain, while giving customers complete control over the construction of their wraps. He’ll also prepare his quesadillas in a pizza oven and serve freshly fried churros.
If all goes according to plan, Guapas will open its doors by March 1.
A culinary school graduate and Bay Area restaurant veteran, Haddad counts Guapas as his third brick-and-mortar establishment. He also owns Truffle Poké Bar, which has one location next door to Guapas and another in San Mateo. Previously, he served as a chef at Il Fornaio in Burlingame.
With three Guapas franchises already in the works, Haddad expects additional locations to open in the Bay Area later this year.
Haddad said he chose to move into a storefront at The Cove at Oyster Point, a business park on the edge of “The Industrial City,” partly because it is adjacent to his poké place, and partly because it is a thriving biotech hub with plenty of lunchtime traffic.
“We’re excited to open up and serve the community of South San Francisco healthy, good quality Mexican food,” Haddad said.
Guapas Mexican Grill
South San Francisco
📍101 Oyster Point Blvd., South SF
🔗 guapasmexicangrill.com