When I heard the latest rumors about Freebirds finally coming to Waco earlier this week, I wished I had a time machine so I could go back to 2001 and give a flip.
At this point in time, being that I've eaten Freebirds burritos on a regular basis for most of the last 15 years, they are no longer a special treat. Time was, a trip to Austin necessitated a stop by Freebirds. That certainly isn't the case anymore. Oh, I'm not opposed to Freebirds, but other hot spots have taken its place.
Nonetheless, I write a restaurant blog and therefore feel I should at least address the Freebirds-in-Waco rumors.
Waco Tribune-Herald business columnist Mike Copeland published via his blog on Monday that a "source" told him Freebirds was considering locating a restaurant near New Road and Waco Drive, near the Academy Sports and Outdoors and Gold's Gym. Given Copeland's stature as a business writer in this town, his source can probably be trusted. But that doesn't mean it's set in stone because, if it were, the source wouldn't hesitate to be identified. Theoretically.
Other less credible news sources — somebody's mom posted it on Facebook, I think; someone made the announcement on a Baylor sports message board, siting a "little bird" — have related basically the same information.
So there, WacoFork land, I've commented on it. Sorry, I'm just not that geeked out about it.
One more bite: Dear Freebirds, please don't interpret my eye rolling as an indication that you won't be well received in Waco. I have no doubt that if you open a store, whether at the location indicated above or elsewhere, Wacoans will respond by flooding Freebirds on opening day and keeping it busy for a long while. I will no doubt eat there too. You're not cool anymore, but you can still serve a tasty burrito and run a profitable business.
