When Bryan Walker first opened Austin Burrito Co. in December—located in the Shops at the Galleria—he said he quickly realized the unique challenges restaurateurs face. He spent 22 years working in the tech industry.

“It was such a new concept, where we make everything in-house,” Bryan said. “There was no blueprint to go off of.”

Austin Burrito Co. operates unlike many other fast-food Mexican options. The restaurant does not freeze its meats, and all sauces, marinades, tortillas, and guacamole are made from scratch, Bryan said. The recipes have been and continue to be modified based on customer feedback, he said.

“People come in and assume we are a big chain or franchise, but we’re not,” Bryan said. “We’re just a mom and pop business. We live here; we give here.”

Bryan’s wife, Francine, also left a software engineering career to devote time to the business. The Hudson Bend couple’s two sons work in the restaurant after school.

“There were days early on where we were pulling 16-hour days, easy,” Francine said. “We even had the boys helping out busing tables at first. My parents, who live in Spain, came over to help with the boys. It showed the true family aspect of the business.”

Because of the time the boys would spend at the restaurant, Francine said she was very particular about the nutrition aspect of the food and wanted customers to eat a healthy, balanced meal.

Bryan said fitness trainers come in or send their clients to the restaurant to pick up meals. He said he is particular when choosing what types of meat to use, including selecting all-natural chorizo.

Menu items include burritos and bowls, tacos, quesadillas, salads and nachos. Each comes with a choice of chicken, steak, carnitas, brisket or grilled vegetables. The sauces options range from the mild “Pico-The-Guy-O” to “Afterburner,” the spiciest option. Meals are priced from $3.75-$10.

The Walkers said they have found big fans in the community, including former tennis star Andy Roddick who named Austin Burrito Co. one of his local favorites in Austin Monthly magazine.

“We could not have asked for a better community to support local business,” Bryan said. “There is really a family vibe here in this area.”

The Walkers said they have been successful catering local events hosted by businesses and customers.

When customers come into the restaurant, the couple said they want them to experience the character of the Hill Country. Local artist John Howell painted murals on the walls, including the Pennybacker Bridge. The children’s station has its own chalk wall and small televisions. The eatery offers its canine customers Purrito Burritos on the dog-friendly patio.

“Our motto is relax, enjoy and smile,” Francine said.

13011 Shops Parkway, Ste. 600, Bee Cave 512-296-1728 www.austinburritocompany.com Hours: Mon.-Sat. 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.