New Wave Burritos Owners Announce ‘Immenent Closure’

New Wave Burritos shortly after it opened in 2016. Photo by Kevin Gibson

New Wave Burritos, known for its unique take on Mexican fare, announced its “imminent closure” on social media yesterday, saying it “seems like the only option.”

Opened more than eight years ago by Nate Sturdevant and Matt Filip, the eye-catching pink restaurant featured signature burrito options along with rotating unique specials, craft beer and a small arcade. It was well known for late-night delivery service.

“What we thought would maybe be a part time side gig ended up transforming into a full blown restaurant after our first two years of service,” the owners said in the joint statement. “To say it’s been a wild ride would be a remarkable understatement and if the walls inside 3311 Preston Highway could talk they would have plenty to say! But all good things must inevitably come to an end. As the world changes around us so too must we make changes as well.”

New Wave Burritos began its run working out of the now-defunct Eiderdown and The Cure Lounge, respectively, starting in December 2014, selling its collection of signature burritos: The Tourist, The Basher, The Clive, The Vacation and The Garbage Burrito. The business moved into its Preston Highway location, which had previously been home to Grind Burgers, in 2016.

“You get good at making burritos by making 10,000 burritos,” Sturdevant told me at the time.

The menu expanded over the years, adding not only cocktails but other dishes to the menu, such as the tater tot-based “totchos,” empanadas and others.

“We never would have made it past our first burrito day without our loyal customers and our incredible staff,” the statement read. “After everything is said and done, and after all the burritos are rolled, and the last queso pot scrubbed, you and they were the ones that continued to make everything seem worthwhile. We can never thank our crew or all you burrito eaters out there enough.”

While the announcement didn’t make it clear exactly when the restaurant will close, New Wave continues to operate for the time being, offering a last chance or two to grab a favorite burrito or a margarita. And look for a few more creative specialty burritos, as the owners promise, in the waning days of business, to go out with “the wildest burritos yet seen.

“We don’t know what the future holds, and who knows, maybe things will look more promising for a scrappy burrito shop further down the road. But for now, it’s time for the curtain call.”