Burrito Day celebrates 10 years in Searcy

A Searcy staple for those looking for burritos, quesadillas, nachos and more, Burrito Day celebrated a decade in business with a block party at Center Avenue on Oct. 25. Burrito Day invited members of the community to the event, which featured music performances from Joe Oliver, Eva Gaugh and The Pepaw Collective. They also gave locals the opportunity to participate in yard games, giveaways, pumpkin painting and other fun activities throughout the day. 

Manager Kari Fox and her husband, Brandon, opened Burrito Day’s doors in 2015, and she said they chose to do a block party as a callback to their first anniversary block party in 2016. She said that it hasn’t felt like that long since they opened the restaurant.

“We wanted to throw a huge party to the community because they’ve supported us for 10 years,” Fox said. “It’s kind of incredible. It’s flown by but also felt like forever. We have really established a place in Searcy. The community is the reason we’re here, that’s why we do it. We don’t do it just for the food, we do it to create a space for people to be able to hang out, talk and develop relationships.”

A percentage of proceeds from the event was donated to Mission Machine, a local non-profit organization that provides assistance and temporary or long-term housing to the unhoused. Manager Brett Hawley said that they will use the money to build additional facilities.

“This is a safe and permanent place for them to stay,” Hawley said. “We’re going to have [the new facility] off of North Main.”

Hawley said it was encouraging to see how the community rallies behind not just Burrito Day and Mission Machine, but other small businesses and non-profits throughout the Searcy area as well.

“I love how the community is coming together for Mission Machine,” Hawley said. “It’s amazing to see.”

Junior Rick Walker attended the event with friends and enjoyed the various activities. 

“It’s a really great atmosphere,” Walker said. “The music has been incredible, and there’s a lot of different shops and tents you can walk around in and enjoy.”

Walker said that he was inspired by the community’s desire to celebrate a small business’ success.

“I think it’s really special,” Walker said. “Towns like this getting together and just enjoying someone’s time in the same town is really cool.”