I probably would never have tried Freebird's if it wasn't visible from Dudley's front porch. (I wonder if Dr. Flemming is still a Dudley's regular.) It was a heck of a deal on a budget but, not quite the value of a Wild and Wooley Wednesday at Double Dave's on 29th street.

Good times.

Chipotle is ass burrito compared to Freebirds.

Hook 'Em Horns

Hellraiser97

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"Ya'll can go to Hell, I'm-a-goin' to TEXAS" -- Davy Crockett

That was a sweet bong, err, water pipe.


I can sense the slightest human suffering.
Sensing anything now?

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I think it is kind of bland.

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To me the beauty of Freebirds is that it can be as bland or as zesty as you want it to be. Just have them add more spices if too bland.

I know Chipotle is making a big push here in the DFW market, but to me Freebirds is still the king.

I still like that barbacoa stuff they have at Chipolte. do they have it as Freebirds?


I can sense the slightest human suffering.
Sensing anything now?

Chipotle in BCS was nothing special. If not for the two attractive twins working there, I wouldn't ever go back. The burrito wasn't great and their chips were disgusting.

[edit: absolutely nothing special.. damn water pipe.]

[This message has been edited by SportAggie (edited 10/7/2003 10:30a).]

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That was a sweet bong, err, water pipe.

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Also, Freebirds blows Chipolte out of the water. The one in Houston off of Sheppard is pretty comparable to the CS locations, if any of you Houstonians want to check it out.

Freebirds does not have the substance that Chipotle calls barbacoa.

That stuff is GOOD, maybe that's why you guys don't like CHipolte, you haven't gotten the right thing.


I can sense the slightest human suffering.
Sensing anything now?

I tried the barbocoa.

It did not taste like real barbocoa which is great for breakfast.

It tasted like roast beef with some spices in it. I like the Chipotle steak better and the Freebirds steak best. To each his own. I never liked roast beef as a kid either.

"Okay, I'll agree that Freebirds will probably stick around then. I just don't think it will expand like Chipotle. I think Freebirds has a very devoted clientele (Aggies), and a niche in large Texas cities. Probably mostly Aggies. It will of course get extra customers on top of its regulars because it is in those large towns. But because Chipotle is expanding much faster and I believe has a better product, it will establish a clear dominance in the Texas burrito/trendy Mexican food market."

The owner of Freebirds has been very particular in where he places his restaurants. He hasn't opened interests, yet, to allow for individual franchises. This is something to take effect sometime this year. However, in order to be an owner, he has set very strict parameters for one to be qualified. Money won't be the obstacle to ownership.

AKA, he doesn't want to expand too quickly, or lose much control to avoid degrading the value of his foods.

Good Bull!

[This message has been edited by armadillousa (edited 10/7/2003 12:31p).]

Has anyone heard that the Freebird's in Houston is owned by one of the Aggies on the Texans? My brother (who works in the media in Houston) had heard that before at work. Just curious!

If I wanted ****ople's barbacoa, I'd just go to Rudy's and wrap a tortilla around chopped beef. Better product and better spice.

Freebird's is the King. However, here in Austin I've had to explain a couple of times that a super monster is enough for two meals.

They seem to skimp a little. I do not know if that is a trend among all branches or not.

It is true. Steve McKinney, the starting center, recently became a limited partner.

Freebirds (overall)is about 10% owned by Aggie Steven McKinny with the Texans. Ryan Young is a 3% owner(offensive lineman for the Cowboys used to play with Steven on the Texans, I think he played at K State). This is public knowledge and from what I understand, both of them are proud and pleased with their investment.

The new Austin Store at Bee Caves will open later this month.

"Save the Bird. Eat a Monster"

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Well the original Freebirds started in BCS, so it makes sense the ones here are the best.

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I thought the original one was in San Diego?

I thought Lynyrd Skynyrd was responsible for Freebirds.

Dynomite-

When I was at A&M (90-94) their was one Freebirds location (Northgate) in College Station. I believe there was another location in California, but I am thinking LA area (Beverly Hills maybe). I always thought it was curious to have two locations, one in BCS and the other in Cali. I don't know how or why Freebirds started, but it would be interesting to learn.

FWIW, Freebird in BCS was close to closing down while I was at A&M, it has made quite a comeback!

Long Story Short:

Freebirds started in California. Santa Barbara Area. Looked to expand. California too expensive. Marketing study of 20 largest Universities. Choose BCS-Great cheap location. Tough times in the begining. One partner goes back to California. Other partner toughs it out and starts having success. BCS partner buys out California partner's rights to Freebirds outside of Santa Barbara (he can open another Freebirds, but not outside of his area). Freebirds starts expanding. More stores to open next year. Corporate office remains in BCS along with the primary owner.

The Freebirds in California is still there and still owned by the same guy. The two former partners are still good friends.