RESTAURANT CHURNS OUT ONE BURRITO EVERY EIGHT SECONDS IN CHARITY FOOD GIVEAWAY

In a marathon giveaway of Australia’s best Mexican food, Guzman y Gomez (GYG) Mexican Taquería in Westfield Bondi Junction yesterday churned out an average of one burrito every eight seconds sustained over nine hours, serving up over 4,000 free meals to hungry Sydneysiders.

A queue of hundreds stretched from one end of the shopping complex to the other throughout the day, eagerly awaiting their free meal. Making the offer that much more enticing, GYG had pledged to donate $1 for every meal given out to the Misión México children’s refuge operated by an Australian couple in Tapachula, Mexico.

GYG Steven Marks

To achieve the incredible feat, more than 25 kitchen staff worked tirelessly to keep the burritos flowing with three quarters of the 4,195 meals given out taking no longer than three minutes to prepare and not a single one taking longer then five minutes, all made freshly on the spot.

GYG Founder Steven Marks says the turnout for the event exceeded all expectations: “There was not a single moment in the nine hours of trading yesterday when we could see the back of the queue while greeting those at the front. We’re absolutely ecstatic to have had so many people come through our doors to enjoy our food and help to raise money for Misión México in the process.”

Robert Hazen, Anthony Carroll, Steven Marks

Throughout the nine-hour fiesta, the crowd was entertained by a live mariachi band while foosball fans hit the tables in the restaurant.  Among the crowd of Bondi faces was Channel 10’s Bondi Rescue star Anthony Carroll who stopped in to join the crowd for dinner.

About Guzman y Gomez

Guzman y Gomez (GYG) Mexican Taquería burst onto the Australian dining scene in 2006, a time when quality Mexican cuisine could scarcely be found. One of the earliest ‘gourmet to go’ brands in Australia, it was the creation of New York native Steven Marks who saw a gap in the local market for the authentic Mexican food he had been brought up with and loved so much. With a menu built on traditional Mexican flavours made from only the best ingredients, the brand is a celebration of all things Latin – the food, the music, the art and the personality! With 17 restaurants already spanning three states and one territory, GYG continues to expand rapidly with up to 5 restaurants set to open by the end of 2012, driving the Mexican food wave that has swept Australia over the past six years.

About Misión México

Sunshine Coast couple Alan and Pam Skuse travelled to Mexico to volunteer at a refuge in 2000 only for it to close down after six months. Refusing to let the children return to life on the streets, they established their own refuge in Tapachula with the goal of providing a family environment rather than an institution. Caring for children of all ages who have been orphaned, abandoned or suffered abuse and neglect, the Misión México refuge has given hundreds of children a second chance at life, ensuring they receive care and an education. The Skuse’s also introduced the children to surfing making them the only surfers in Tapachula!