PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Pronto Burrito had been a source of wonder since it first popped up on Facebook in May with an announcement that The County would see its first fast-casual Mexican restaurant. And during the COVID-19 pandemic, no less.
The restaurant opened to a large crowd at 11 a.m. on Monday, at the Aroostook Centre Mall. There was no grand opening, though the first 200 customers were given free slushies.
Jasper Ieronimo, Pronto Burrito president, said it was “pedal to the metal” after months of preparation.
Ieronimo said they had expected a big turnout, especially given the robust interest on social media. He said many were attracted to the business because it was “something new” in The County.
“I don’t think we’re reinventing the wheel,” Ieronimo said. “I just think we’re giving more options.”
The opening comes in a city that has struggled to attract and keep new businesses. The COVID-19 pandemic has especially hurt Presque Isle’s local restaurant industry with some, including Cafe Demoiselle, closing directly because of the economic downturn from the virus.
Pronto Burrito also represents a significant milestone for a city that is 160 miles from the nearest Chipotle in Bangor. Though Presque Isle has two Mexican restaurants,Taco Bell and Mainely Mexican, the Chipotle/Qdoba craze that has spread across the country had not yet made its way to the Star City.
Dozens lined up to get their first bite, with customers primarily being young people and families. There were nearly 30 people in line at one point, the line growing as lunch grew closer. Most wore masks until it came time to eat.
Customers had their choice of a burrito, burrito bowl or tacos, filled with carnitas, chicken, barbacoa, ground beef or veggies. Chicken quesadillas, churros and chips were also available.
Ieronimo said he was especially proud to show off the restaurant’s “huge” one pound burritos and their homemade salsas.
Pronto Burrito sees the Presque Isle opening as its first step in implementing a Maine-wide chain. It plans to open at 118 Bennett Dr. in Caribou in the second week of August, and the company is currently in negotiations for Bangor and Skowhegan locations, Ieronimo said.
Besides bringing new food options, Ieronimo also said he was proud to bring jobs to the area during a pandemic. He said 14 people currently work at the Presque Isle location full or part-time.
Amy Kane of Easton planned to order a chicken burrito. She already had her toppings in mind: lettuce, salsa, cheese, sour cream and guacamole. She had heard about Pronto on Facebook and was excited to check it out.
“I love Chipotle, so this sounds pretty close to that,” Kane said. “We’ve needed something like this.”
This sentiment was shared by others in line, including Skyler Ellis of Mapleton, who called it a “northern Maine Chipotle.”
Andrew Blackstone of Washburn, who was in line with Ellis, said he was happy to see a new business at the mall, which he said had sometimes struggled to attract customers. Blackstone’s only regret was that the new spot would take him away from another favorite in the food court.
“I do feel bad for Chopsticks because it’s my favorite place to go,” Blackstone said. “Now, I feel like I have to choose.”
Aroostook Centre Mall Operations Manager Kyle Bard said it was exciting to see the food court so full. He believed the restaurant would attract visitors to the food court and then to other stores in the mall.
“It’s going to affect us positively,” Bard said. “Traffic flow is going to help everyone out.”
