Siiii! From Football to Foodie Empire: How One Man Scored Big with Burritos in India

From Pitch to Plate: It All Started with Salsa

Hello it's me Cristiano Ronaldo! You know me from the pitch but today I'm swapping my cleats for a culinary cap – metaphorically of course. I recently stumbled upon a story that's more inspiring than one of my bicycle kicks. It's about a young American lad named Bert Mueller who went to India and instead of finding enlightenment found a burrito sized opportunity. This guy back in 2010 while on a study abroad trip saw that Indians loved Mexican food more than his fellow students liked the food he brought from the United States. Talk about a game changer! It's like when I realized I could score more goals than anyone else – a moment of pure unadulterated 'Siiii!' It clicked for Bert and it clicked for me when I read about it. This American college student in India decided to bring Mexican inspired cuisine to India. Genius!

Contrarian King: Finding Success in the Unexpected

Now Bert calls himself a 'contrarian.' I like that. I too have always danced to the beat of my own drum. While everyone else was saying 'Ronaldo can't dribble past five defenders,' I was already doing it. Bert went to India because it was 'radically different.' He found the monotony boring just like I find playing against teams who don't bring their A game. After graduating he didn't go get a boring office job. No he decided to chase his burrito dream. And let me tell you it's paid off handsomely! Bangalore was chosen as the spot for his first restaurant. Smart move. I heard they have a big IT sector in Bangalore and that many people have traveled to the U.S. and have probably tried some type of Mexican cuisine.

From $250k to $23 Million: The Power of Believing

Bert estimated it would cost $100,000 to open his first store so he raised $250,000 from friends and family 'to be careful'. He opened two more stores with the original funding of $250,000. In 2024 his company California Burrito brought in $23 million in revenue! That's more than some football clubs make in a year! It just shows that with hard work dedication and a bit of that 'Siiii!' attitude anything is possible. Never give up on your dreams people. Just like I never give up on scoring goals Bert never gave up on perfecting his burrito recipe.

When Life Gives You Lemons Make…Avocado Trees?

Okay so it wasn't all smooth sailing. Bert hired a guy to run his operations a 'crooked individual' as he put it who tried to sabotage him and even start his own burrito joint. Can you imagine? It's like someone trying to steal my free kick technique! But Bert being the marathon runner's son that he is didn't quit. He doubled down. They've grown their ingredients like planting 500 avocado trees some of which were eaten by elephants! Can you imagine elephants eating his avocado's? It’s like when I’m trying to score a goal and the defender clears the ball. It can be frustrating but you have to keep going.

Home is Where the Burrito Is: A Long Term Love Affair with India

Bert originally planned to stay in India for only five years. Now he's thinking in decades. He loves India it feels like home. And that's the most important thing isn't it? Finding your passion finding your place and making it your own. For me it's the football pitch. For Bert it's California Burrito. And for you? Well that's for you to discover. I will say that it is important that you believe in yourself and have confidence. I always say 'Your love makes me strong your hate makes me unstoppable.'

Score Your Own Goal: Lessons from a Burrito Baron

So what can we learn from Bert's story? Number one don't be afraid to be different. Number two never give up even when faced with crooked employees and avocado hungry elephants. And number three sometimes the best opportunities are found in the most unexpected places. Now if you'll excuse me I have a craving for a burrito. And remember whether you're on the pitch or in the kitchen always strive for greatness. Siiii! Oh and keep an eye on those employees or they might just start a burrito restaurant.