Go loco for Boloco!

On a cold Thursday evening, I stood at the end of an outrageously long line, awaiting my free burrito at Boloco, when a man donning a Boloco apron and cap suddenly rushed past carrying a teenage boy on his back. No, this wasn’t some shady kidnapping business. This was just the restaurant’s quirkiness—employees were giving people piggyback rides to the front of the line in exchange for donations to Life is Good Playmakers, an organization that strives to help kids overcome poverty and violence through the power of play. What other restaurant gives out piggyback rides while collecting for a good cause? This is not something that you see every day, but it does give you a glimpse at the playfulness and eccentricity that defines  Boloco.

Boloco, a local company started in Boston—the name is a mash-up of the words “Boston Local Company”—opened their newest location in the Ville on Saturday, Sept. 29. Because of its convenient location just a stone’s throw from the pedestrian entrance to the campus’s east side, Boloco is the perfect spot for Wellesley students to grab a quick bite and hang out with friends. Many don’t know that there’s a lounge downstairs, equipped with televisions, plugs near every seat and free wifi. Phil Lee, co-manager of Wellesley’s Boloco, describes the atmosphere as “fun and passionate” and welcomes students to hang out or study in their space.

“The staff is very customer-friendly,” added Arden Radford ’15, an employee at Boloco. Fellow worker Alexa Williams ’14 agreed, noting that “you will not leave unhappy!”

Not sure what to order from the menu? No problem! For those who are craving something sweet, Lee suggests the “Summer,” a burrito filled with a tangy mango salsa. For those wanting a kick of spice in their lives, the most popular burrito, the “Buffalo,” has a fiery buffalo sauce paired with a velvety blue cheese dressing. If you’re looking to treat yourself, Williams recommends the Soy Berry Milkshake, a creamy blend of strawberries, blueberries, bananas, and soymilk; she adds a fun twist by throwing in some peanut butter. Yum. 

At one point Lee asked me, “Do you like nutella?” Like every normal person in the world, I responded with an eager “YES.” It turns out that Boloco also makes nutella milkshakes—a chocolate lover’s dream. 

Radford offered a piece of advice to consider before coming: “Don’t go into it expecting Chipotle. Go into it wanting Chinese takeout in a burrito. Boloco is not your typical Mexican place.” If you want to try something new, Boloco is the place for you. And if you have dietary concerns, Boloco caters to your needs, providing vegetarian, kosher and gluten-free meals.

Moreover, Boloco is the first fast-casual chain in the New England area to become green certified. “We’re not perfect, but we’re getting better and better every day,” Lee humbly stated. In the past couple of years, Boloco has implemented a comprehensive recycling program, replaced their cups with compostable ones, and now uses only naturally raised beef, pork and chicken.

There’s even some good news for those of you on work study or who are simply in need of a steady income. Boloco is looking to hire more workers, and encourages Wellesley students to apply. Bonus: employees get a 50 percent discount, so head over if you’re looking for a job.

Boloco, located at 102 Central Street, is open daily 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.