Greenville Gets a Taste of San Diego with Flavorful Burritos
In the heart of Greenville, a flavor explosion is taking the local food scene by storm! Someone is on a mission to bring a piece of Southern California right to our plates, and it’s all thanks to Richie Mataafa, a newcomer who’s found a way to meld his memories of upbringing with the community he’s grown to love.
A Culinary Journey Begins
Richie hails from sunny San Diego—specifically from the quaint town of Oceanside. He fondly remembers munching down on SoCal burritos filled not with rice or black beans, but with the beloved French fries instead. For Richie, these burritos encapsulate a nostalgia that only a local can truly appreciate. “Those SoCal burritos have such a hold on the culture,” he explained, as his eyes lit up with fond memories. “They’re so well known, and it’s one of those things that natives of SoCal can get nostalgic over.”
Richie’s culinary journey is steeped in rich family traditions—his dad is Samoan, and his mom is Mexican, leading to a delightful mix of cultural flavors that he learned to treasure from a young age.
Trading Football for Food
After playing football for a Division 2 college in Alabama and embarking on a career as a personal trainer, Richie discovered how important food really is. “I found part-time employment at this cool studio and café in Muscle Shoals,” he recalled. “The kitchen was staffed by guys who were very serious about their craft. It reminded me how essential food is to a community.”
After a brief stint in St. Louis for further studies, Richie set down roots in Greenville and began hosting private dinners in his backyard, where he showcased his beloved burritos. It wasn’t long before he caught the attention of the local community.
Bringing Burritos to the Masses
Richie’s journey took an exciting turn when the folks at the Iron Tribe gym invited him to cater a private event. “That went well enough that I started thinking about doing popups,” he said enthusiastically. He soon discovered the perfect tortillas—Sonoran-style tortillas from Tortilla Familia that are thin, delicate yet sturdy enough to handle a hefty burrito.
And the popups began! Richie showcased his talents at various restaurants, and soon, he was teaming up with local establishments like Revival for even more events. “For our third one, word had gotten out through social media,” he smiled. “We had a line out the door before we even opened!”
The Quest for Perfect Additions
Though there have been hiccups, like the time he forgot the potato tots essential for a SoCal burrito, those little mishaps have only added to the charm of his popups. “My wife, Lindsey, probably ran through a few red lights to get the potatoes back in time. What’s a SoCal burrito without the fried potatoes?” he exclaims, showcasing the lighthearted spirit that surrounds his food endeavors.
Richie’s popups evoke a mini-festival vibe every Saturday morning—a perfect stop for those hankering for an adventurous breakfast. There’s a little something for everyone, and a warm community atmosphere fills the air.
Celebrating Community Through Food
Nothing warms Richie’s heart more than hearing customers say his burritos remind them of their own childhood in San Diego. “That makes it all worthwhile,” he beamed. His venture, dubbed Daylight Burrito, serves delicious burritos two days a week at the Rupert Huse Veteran Center, as well as popups across the town, reminding us all of the power of food to connect us across different backgrounds.
So, if you find yourself in the Greenville area and craving something deliciously nostalgic, keep an eye out for these popups. After all, who wouldn’t want to savor a burrito that transports them right back to sunny California? Delicious food, heartfelt stories, and a community spirit—it’s all wrapped up beautifully in every bite!
