YOU ARE JUDGED BY THE COMPANY YOU KEEP

We just celebrated our 14th birthday and it got me thinking that an awful lot of people have eaten at California Tortilla over the years. And while I’d love to list all of you (because it would take up space) I know that if you’re anything like me, you really only care about the famous ones. So with that said, I’ve compiled a list of just a few of the famous people who’ve eaten at Cal Tort – Torter supporters, if you will. Ready?

Cynthia Nixon: She had a Bean Burrito and a Cheese Quesadilla. I’m not sure why she’s so skinny.

The 2009 cast of the “Real World”: I have no idea what they had. I just know they’re hip so that means that we are.

Ed Henry, CNN’s Senior White House Correspondent: He’s been eating here for years and if you ever watch a presidential press conference, he gets called on every couple of minutes. That’s clearly because of his association with us. And because he’s cute.

David Spade: He came in a limo. As most of our customers do.

Jenna and Barbara Bush: They had two Low-Carb Hickory Chicken Burrito Bowls, a large chips and salsa and a cup of ice. (I would hate it if people followed my every move. “She had a Bananadanna Super Sundae and a bag of croutons.”)

Ray Romano from “Everyone Loves Raymond”: He had a Crunchy BBQ Ranch Burrito and a #1 Combo. He was just starting out at the time so we gave it to him for free. I want my money back.

So there you have it folks – just one more reason to eat at California Tortilla. All the cool kids are doing it.

THE GREAT AMERICAN DINE OUT

All across the country restaurants are partnering with Share Our Strength to help end childhood hunger and we’re absolutely thrilled to be taking part in this promotion.

So with that said, if you go to any Cal Tort (except for our airport locations) on Wednesday, September 23rd and make a purchase along with either a $1 or $2 cash donation, here’s what we’ll give you for your generosity:

$1 Cash Donation: A free taco coupon that’s good on your next visit.

$2 Cash Donation: A free taco coupon that’s good on your next visit AND a free tshirt (while supplies last).

It’s a win win for everyone: For $2 you get a great taco, a great shirt and a great feeling and for that same $2 a hungry child can eat for 6 days. What’s not to like about that? (Please, one taco coupon and one tshirt per customer. Thanks.)

We hope to see you on the 23rd! (If you’d like to know more about the Great American Dine Out, go here.)

WE HAVE A WINNER!

Actually we have 3 winners. We got hundreds of radio ad submissions for our radio contest (most of which were sung to the tune of “La Bamba”) and we’re thrilled to announce that the following people are the big winners:

1st Place ($1000 and Free Burritos for a Year): Zachary Mielke
2nd Place ($500 and Free Burritos for a Year): Erika Gayle Ettin
3rd Place ($250 and Free Burritos for a Year): Rob Shearman, Jr.

And while we can’t guarantee when the ads will run, suffice it to say we thoroughly enjoyed the process – some of you have very interesting senses of humor (guess which gender?). Thanks to all who participated. And a big group hug to Zachary, Erika and Rob. To hear, and in Rob’s case read, the ads click here.

WE WANT THE SCOOP!

As you all know, we pride ourselves on our spunky employees. And because everyone likes to know when they’re doing a good job, if you have a particular favorite Cal Tort employee, we’d love to hear about it so we can let that employee know. In turn, we will critique you all as customers. Do you jump up and down when we give you a Pop Tart? Have you perfected a Cal Tort dance routine? Do you tip the Queen? If you answered no to any of these, you may want to rethink just how good a customer you really are.

Okay, we won’t do that – only because I’ve noticed that very few people are tipping the queen. (What’s up with that?) We would however still love it if you let us know which of our employees are doing a fabulous job. Please email me with the employee’s first name and the Cal Tort location. And if you can put “Spunky Employee” in the subject line, that would be great. Thanks so much – you have no idea how much you’re going to make a spunky employee’s day.

AND FINALLY…

Check out our newest and darn tastiest special: