MILLEDGEVILLE —
Barberitos in downtown Milledgeville is famous for satisfying its patrons who crave burritos and fresh salads. The restaurant has recently welcomed new ownership and management as well.
Brothers Philip and Martin Kohnen recently purchased the establishment, and additionally, Philip Kohnen has taken over management of the restaurant. He said he is glad to take on the Barberitos focus on quality and freshness — a mission he has had a stake in crafting for the company for the past few years.
“I have high expectations of myself,” Kohnen said. “We are focused on consistency and high quality of taste and freshness.”
Kohnen, a graduate of the University of Georgia, started working for Barberitos in the company’s first store in Athens.
“I would work four days a week running the grill,” Kohnen said. “I continued working in the company while still in school.
Kohnen said he eventually became assistant manager at the location but took time to pursue his musical interests following college.
Upon returning home to family in Athens, he became manager of the second Barberitos location in Athens. Kohnen worked closely with company owner Downing Barber and was promoted to director of training for the franchise — training new franchise owners on running all aspects of the restaurant.
“Earlier this year, I heard about Barberitos Milledgeville,” Kohnen said. “I heard the previous owner wanted to sell the restaurant. I enjoyed the job as manager, but I wanted to do something for myself.”
The Kohnens purchased the franchise, and Philip, along with wife Nalinee, moved to Milledgeville in July. Philip said his wife, who is of Thai heritage, welcomes anyone interested in Thai culture or also of Thai heritage to consider her a resource. The husband and wife operate the restaurant as a team. Since moving, Philip said he has focused on consistency and the management of fresh ingredients.
“All our food is cooked from scratch,” Kohnen said. “Nothing is pre-cut or pre-bagged. We use whole foods.”
Kohnen said he also emphasizes customer service and will most likely still train new franchisees on some aspects of running Barberitos locations.
Currently, Barberitos Milledgeville offers free meals for kids after 3 p.m. with the purchase of an adult entree from the regular menu. Kohnen said the location will soon offer a “Frequent Roller” card program where customers will receive a free burrito after purchasing 10 burritos.
Barberitos has 22 locations in the southeast. Most are franchises.
The location in downtown Milledgeville is housed in two suites at 146 and 148 W. Hancock St. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. On Thursdays, the restaurant is open until 3 a.m.
Business
Related Photos
-
Barberitos on West Hancock Street is now under new ownership and management. Jonathan Jackson
Discussion
Barberitos is now under new ownership
- Business
-
-
Local florist provides smiles, joy since 1973
Flowers by Jeanie has continued creating customized arrangements to bring smiles to locals and loved ones across the nation and globe for nearly 40 years.
-
Doodle's Cupcake Bakery a little slice of whipped heaven
Move over ice cream and yogurt, there's a new sweet in town.
-
Shrimp Boat cookin’ chicken mighty fine since 1969
Local native and resident John Leslie worked two jobs at the age of 17 until he saved up enough money to purchase the original Shrimp Boat restaurant franchise in Milledgeville on Oct. 27, 1969, nearly a decade later.
-
Hopkins and Wilson merge services
Carl Wilkinson and Brian Hopkins first met in 1994 when Hopkins’ wife Mandy began working at Wilkinson's Insurance Agency. Brian and Mandy, unmarried at the time, were both students at Georgia College and never dreamed their future family would develop such a special long-term friendship and future business merger with Wilkinson.
-
Pennington Tire Co. provides customer service with original charm
Business has continued to boom for Pennington Tire Co. Auto Care Center since being founded in 1956 at its original location on South Elbert Street.
-
Local thrift shop sells array of items at low prices
Cliff’s Variety and Thrift store is a one-stop-shop for those seeking a variety of apparel, toys, collectibles, electronics, home decor and furniture ranging from 49 cents to $300.
-
CORRECTION
In the December edition of The Ville, the dining listing should have included Shrimp Boat under the listing Buffets/Cafes.
-
Alpha Test Prep helps boosts student academics
Alpha Test Prep & Tutorial Services has served students from the central Georgia since 1999 through private sessions or as a state approved No Child Left Behind provider.
-
Blossoms raises funds for Brody’s Love
A mother-daughter duo has been working since July 2010 creating unique floral arrangements for all occasions at reasonable prices at their family-run store, Blossoms. -
Sport Fit offers fun fitness for kids
Owners of the new Sport Fit facility, Jim and Tina Fain, Bo Sibilsky and Mandy Chandler are excited to offer the community a unique sport and fitness facility to help youth reach their athletic goals. - More Business Headlines
-
Raw Video: Greek Rioting Ahead of Austerity Vote
Raw Video: Child Rescued After Kosovo Avalanche
Pop Music Superstar Whitney Houston Dies at 48
Whitney Houston's Church Mourns Her Passing
Reaction to Houston's Death at Clive Davis Party
79 Turtles Seized at Shanghai Airport
Severe Cold Wreaks Havoc in China
Fuel Removal Under Way on Capsized Italian Ship
Police: Houston Found Dead in Her Hotel Room
Paul Suffers Narrow Loss to Romney in Maine
Palin Brings Anti-Washington Message to CPAC
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate
Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords
Uzbek Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Kill Obama
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
