We Love You, Iguanas Home Of The Burritozilla

G. Li, Editor-in-Chief
📍 Silicon Valley, USA

On Sunday, July 27th, Iguanas Home of the Burritozilla had its final day of service. This ends 32 years of dedicated work in our community, touching the hearts of countless, including mine, living in the San Francisco Bay Area. 

The closing was announced a few weeks prior in a post on @iguanasburritozilla, the restaurant’s Instagram account. 

Iguanas Burritozilla was established in Downtown San Jose, on 330 S Third St, San Jose, CA, by Paul Orozco. This business has been passed down from Uncle Paul, to Mamu Lu, now to her kids (Jimmy, Sammy, Melissa, Felice, and Dusty), representing two generations of dedication and ‘a deep love of great food and customer service’. Famously, Iguanas Burritozilla is a familia, and this goes beyond being a family business; community is deeply ingrained in Iguanas Burritozilla. And in the last week of July, our community gave back to Iguanas Burritozilla in response to their closing. 

On July 27th, their last day open, a massive line formed outside the restaurant to get one more taste of the famous Iguanas Burritozilla. The line stretched around the corner to the nearby Jack in The Box and it took hours to serve everyone in line. Across numerous social media platforms, people have rallied to thank Iguanas for their great eats and their incredible service to the community. More than 30.2 thousand people supported Iguanas on a recent Instagram post, and many recounted their memories with the restaurant. One heartfelt message states: “You guys are so beautiful!!! Thanks again for everything! The food, the love, the community you created for us all! I wish you the best in this next chapter and hope we keep crossing paths.” 

Though made infamous by their 5 pounds & 18 inches long Burritozilla, taken on by renowned professional eaters including Joey Chestnut and Matt Stonie (check out more here: https://www.burritozilla.com/media), what makes Iguanas Burritozilla special is what they have done for the community. Their store features a beautiful mural painted by local artist Este Huizar, and their Cafecito Open Mic showcases countless local musicians and speakers. On 99.7 NOW, Big Reid spoke about Iguanas Burritozilla on July 25th, encouraging our community to get one last burrito before their closing. 

Although Iguanas Home of The Burritozilla is now closed, they are forever immortalized by 330 S. 3rd The Song, which you can listen to on all platforms here https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/iklectix/330-s-3rd-feat-bob-the-rocker/. And even though their first location is closed, you can still support them in their new chapter, at their location in San Antonio, Texas. 

Thank you for everything Iguanas Burritozilla. At each milestone in my life, I remember eating Iguanas with my brother and mom, relishing every last bite. We will all miss you so much. If my family ever goes to Texas, Iguanas will be our first stop!