It’s official: Delaware’s unofficial burrito king signed a lease this week to join an expanding roster of new restaurants on Wilmington’s Market Street.
In 2019, El Diablo Burritos will unveil its fifth location inside the old Qdoba Mexican Eats location, just one block from Rodney Square and across the street from Brew Ha Ha!
With plans to open in early spring, co-owner Dean Vilone says he’s excited to grow the brand by reaching the downtown crowd. “We’re super excited about being on Market Street. It’s really wonderful to see the momentum going for it,” he said.
The new 2,000 square foot location will be comparable in size to El Diablo’s Newark and Pike Creek locations — larger than their first original outpost in Trolley Square.
This marks the fifth restaurant for Vilone and business partners Shannon Stevens and Roger Andrews and their first foray into the breakfast market, which will be phased in after the store’s planned April opening.
Rob Buccini helped lead Vilone to his newest enterprise. “Rob and I have known each other for a long time, and he approached us to see if we had any interest in this space. It’s really ideally located on Market Street.”
Hoping to serve local offices and downtown businesses, Vilone says this new location will also offer catering.
Ever wonder why each bite of El Diablo protein tastes good? El Diablo uses antibiotic-free chicken and antibiotic-free grass fed, grass finished steak and short rib. “Grass-finished beef cattle remain on a pasture and forage diet. So we offer great quality and I think our customers can taste the difference,” said Vilone.
Operating hours are still to be determined. Vilone says the restaurant will likely close at 7 or 8 pm Monday through Wednesday, with extended hours till 9 or 10 pm Thursday through Saturday. Breakfast hours still to be determined.
