Brothers, Isa and Bishir Ali, who literally grew up in the food business have opened a new Hot Harry’s Fresh Burrito restaurant in the Union Block at 403 Main Street in Dalton, MA. Isa and Bishir Ali are also the current owners and operators of the Hot Harry’s at 724 Tyler St. in Pittsfield, MA. Their father is Faisal Ali who, with his nephew Samir Abdallah, founded what has become a thriving franchise in Pittsfield in 2004. Samir has continued his involvement as Executive Vice President of Hot Harry’s Fresh Burritos. Richard Tarascio, a franchise industry expert, joined the executive team as President in 2015.
Hot Harry’s Fresh Burritos, Inc. is a California Mex casual food group that uses made-from-scratch, homemade recipes with fresh ingredients prepared on-site each day and served in an inviting, fast casual atmosphere, with a unique menu that includes Hot Harry’s famous burrito of the month selection that changes on the first of each month.
The new location’s “soft opening” on Wednesday, February 22nd was a banner day for the Ali’s and the Hot Harry corporate family. Throngs of burrito fans flocked to the newly opened restaurant to welcome Dalton’s newest eatery. With virtually no publicity except a strong word of mouth “buzz” – friends, family, fans and total strangers came to congratulate and celebrate with Isa and Bishir and their families.
“I am pleased at how busy we were on the first day!” said Faisal Ali. “I am so proud of Isa and Bishir’s commitment to our family business. It felt wonderful for all of us to be so warmly welcomed.”
“This is the seventh Hot Harry’s and it’s very special to have the Ali’s at the helm,” said Richard Tarascio. “The location is important. The design is unique from our other locations with its traditional “store front”.
The space is historic and served as the former home of O’Laughlin’s Pharmacy, a fixture on Dalton’s Main Street for 37 years. The Ali’s were able to utilize the architecture of the space with its interior brick wall and the original tin ceiling from decades ago. There is a mix of trendy and traditional here that our customers love almost as much as the food. There is a historic vibe.
“We’re off to a strong start,” said Isa Ali, “and we have the community to thank for that. We are so proud to be doing business in the town we grew up in.”
“I couldn’t be happier for Uncle Faisal and my cousins Isa and Bishir,” said Samir Abdallah. “I congratulate them upon the new location and applaud their future plans for further expansion throughout Berkshire County and to help us expand the Hot Harry’s brand throughout New England”.
“We’re poised for growth and Isa and Bishir are part of that expansion,” said Richard Tarascio, “We hold monthly “Discovery Days” to introduce prospective franchisees to our concept, brand and business model.” The next Discovery Day is Tuesday March 21st.
The phone number at Hot Harry’s in Dalton is 413-300-0028; the fax number is 413-300-0031. The Dalton location is open Monday – Saturday 9AM-10PM; Sunday 10AM-10PM
The web site is: http://www.hotharrysburritos.com. Prospective franchisees may contact Richard Tarascio at 413-747-1535 or rtarascio@hhburritos.com.