American Entrepreneur Discovers North Karnataka Cuisine
Bert Mueller, co‑founder and CEO of the Indian fast‑casual chain California Burrito, was recently filmed savouring a traditional North Karnataka-style thali—featuring jolada rotti (jowar roti), fresh vegetables, chutneys and buttermilk—at the iconic Kamat restaurant in Bengaluru’s Basavanagudi district.
A Viral Food Moment
The video was shared by Bengaluru Servd on Instagram and has since gone viral, amassing hundreds of thousands of views and thousands of comments. Viewers were charmed by how genuinely Mueller expresses delight in regional Indian cuisine.
First Visit Goes Back to 2014
Mueller revealed he first discovered Kamat in 2014 on a recommendation from his chartered accountant upon arriving in Bengaluru. He said the experience stuck with him, sparking regular visits to Basavanagudi—up to two or three times a year for this meal.
Describing the Thali
Mueller described the meal: “This plate is full of fresh vegetables, crispy salads, and vibrant flavours. The butter melting over the jolada rotti is incredible, especially when paired with the eggplant (baingan) curry.” He also noted the generous servings of chilled buttermilk, calling the combination healthy, filling and flavourful.
Local Fans Praise the CEO
Comments from social media users include remarks like “Bert, you’re more Indian than us Indians,” approving of his perfect pronunciation of Basavanagudi and his mastery of the ‘little little’ head nod.
From Study Abroad in Jaipur to Burrito Empire
Mueller’s connection with India began in 2010 during a study‑abroad programme in Jaipur, where a home‑cooked Mexican meal led to the idea of bringing burritos to India. In 2012, he returned with approximately $250,000 raised from family and friends and opened the first California Burrito outlet in Bengaluru.
Business Highlights and Growth
California Burrito has since expanded to over 100 outlets across India, generating about $23 million (≈₹191 crore) in revenue last year. The pandemic forced the chain to close 19 of its 37 stores, but a successful ₹100 menu campaign in 2021 revived business and the brand marked its 100th store opening recently.
Why It Matters for Trivia Fans
This story blends food culture with entrepreneurship—great for trivia: an American founder embraced regional cuisine so deeply that it became a recurring ritual. It highlights dates—2010, 2012, 2014, 2021, 2025—and key facts about his chain’s growth and public reception.
Source: Ndtv