Lil Richard’s, known for its breakfast burritos, has opened a permanent grab-and-go restaurant at 104 White Ave. in downtown Grand Junction. Owners Imad and Anna Burleigh began serving customers from their new brick-and-mortar location in mid-August, establishing a seven-day-a-week operation for residents, commuters, and those living in the area.
The Burleighs had been looking for a storefront for their business, which started as a food truck in May 2025. They discovered the small kitchen and lobby within the Downtown Suites building in December 2025 and decided it was the perfect fit. Imad Burleigh said, “As soon as we saw the kitchen, it was game over.”
Transitioning to the permanent space involved some minor renovations to the front and middle areas of the suite, with the kitchen requiring little change beyond adding a fryer. However, securing the location also involved a “six months of back and forth with the city,” according to Imad Burleigh, leading to a delayed start for the restaurant.
Despite the delayed opening, Lil Richard’s is now fully operational. The business is currently running without an exterior store sign, but the Burleighs indicated one is coming soon. In the meantime, customers can find the entrance on White Avenue, located directly below the large Downtown Suites sign at the corner of First Street and White Avenue. The location also benefits from being across the street from The Junction apartment complex.
Lil Richard's menu is designed to be simple, focusing on high-quality ingredients and consistent execution. The business is particularly known for its "Big Richard" burrito, which Imad Burleigh describes as his “attempt at the best breakfast burrito on the planet.” This signature item weighs between a pound-and-a-quarter and a pound-and-a-half, packed with meat, cheese, eggs, crispy tots, and green chile sauce. Smaller sizes and various ingredient combinations are also available.
Customer service is a core element of the business model. Imad Burleigh emphasized the importance of hospitality, even in a quick-serve environment. He stated, “One of our mottos is: Come hungry, leave a regular,” aiming for every customer to feel welcomed. This focus on engagement and positive interaction has been embraced by their employees, contributing to the business's community connection.
The initial days of Lil Richard’s as a food truck in May 2025 were slow, with only a few customers on opening day. However, community support grew exponentially over subsequent weekends, affirming the Burleighs' vision. Since opening the storefront, the business has served over 10,000 breakfast burritos, according to Anna Burleigh.
The new location has a built-in customer base from the Downtown Suites tenants, many of whom have become regulars. Anna Burleigh noted that some tenants simply walk downstairs to place an order and pick up their burrito on their way to work. Lil Richard’s has even provided special deliveries to some of its well-known regulars.
The food truck, which was placed on hiatus, will return to service, according to the Burleighs in a Sept. 24 interview. It will initially be used for catering various events, including business and school functions, weddings, and baby showers. The owners also plan to resume setting up at youth soccer tournaments, though this will require additional staff due to the high volume of customers at such events.
Imad Burleigh praised the employees who have joined the business, noting their dedication and positive impact. He highlighted the importance of taking care of employees and ensuring they feel part of the business's growth. Imad’s mother, Susan Burleigh, was their first employee and also contributed significantly through "guerrilla marketing" within her local social circles, bringing in many customers who heard about Lil Richard’s through her.
