Freakin' Taco & Burrito Opens in Pearl River

Ron Fatigate heard all about the businesses that had previously failed where he opened Raffaele's Pizze on Central Avenue in Pearl River, across the street from the Central Ave Field. People told him the stories and wished him luck.

The location worked out well enough since it opened in 2011 that he expanded when Freakin' Burrito and Taco opened July 2. The new Mexican eatery is right next door to Raffaele's, with an open doorway between the two.

"My daughter said, what are you doing? Taking over Central Avenue?" Fatigate said with a smile  "I told her if I can, I will.

"It's a good location. There is the success I've had with the pizzeria. It gives people a choice at my location. There is no place around here like this. It is a burrito made right in front of you. People like that. People like to see what you are making for them. They enjoy seeing their food being made. That means a lot."

Fatigate went with what he is calling a soft opening, offering a limited menu and publicity, so he could work through any issues that may arise. He said the menu will expand over time. 

Even the Freakin Burrito and Taco sign was not ready for opening day, but Fatigate said most of the response has been positive. 

"People are excited, especially the kids," Fatigate said. 

He did have one person come in the day before the opening to complain about the name. Though it is meant to be a reference to freaking out over the quality of the food, he is obviously aware of the other way the word can be used. The logo includes a cartoon character with his eyes bulging and smoke coming out of his ears. 

"Maybe I'm misinterpreting the word "Freakin'" because we have a (cartoon) character freaking out because we have the best tacos and burritos," Fatigate said. "(The man asked) Do you really want a kid saying, 'I want a Freakin' taco?' Yes, I do."

"Freaking is in the dictionary. If I didn't make the character and submit it to the town, no way they would have said yes. It's catchy."