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How Burrito Boys Orlando Came to Life
Anthony “Biggie” Bencomo, host of the Lunch with Biggie podcast, recently sat down with Berman “Roc” Rodriguez, the man behind Burrito Boys Orlando.
Roc is the creator of Burrito Boys, a concept that has quietly built a following across Orlando through pop-ups, social media and a growing presence on Uber Eats. His signature offering, scallion pancake burritos that blends Latin and Asian flavors. It’s not a traditional burrito and that distinction matters to Roc.
“A lot of people think it’s a Mexican burrito,” Roc said. “But it’s really more of a Latin Asian fusion.”
The Idea Behind Burrito Boys
The idea for Burrito Boys took shape in early 2023, but its roots go back further. Roc had already been building a presence online through his Instagram page, @rociscookin, where he shared food content and highlighted local restaurants. The page started as a creative outlet but quickly turned into something more.
“People kept asking me, ‘When are you going to start selling food?’” Roc said. “I never really thought about it at first.”
Encouragement from fellow food entrepreneurs and connections in Orlando’s foodie community helped push the idea forward. The name Burrito Boys came from conversations with friends in the industry, and once it landed, it stuck. Roc designed the logo himself, pulling inspiration from New York culture and blending it with his own visual style.
The food itself took time to dial in. Scallion pancakes had gone viral in New York years earlier with Forsyth Fire Escape, but adapting them for a pop-up format was not simple. Roc tested different techniques, experimented with brands and refined the process until it worked.
When Burrito Boys finally debuted at a pop-up, the response surprised even him.
“My first pop-up, I sold over 200 units,” Roc said. “A lot of people told me that was unheard of.”
Built on Flavor and Culture
Much of Burrito Boys’ flavor profile comes from Roc’s Puerto Rican background and the broader mix of cultures found throughout Central Florida. From steak burritos like the Cali, which has become a customer favorite, to jerk chicken and shrimp options, Roc’s menu reflects constant experimentation and research.
“It’s all in my head,” Roc said when asked how he develops recipes. “I don’t sleep. I stay up thinking, researching, reading. I try to tap into different cultures.”
That mindset has helped Burrito Boys stand out in a crowded food scene. Biggie, who has watched Roc operate pop-ups firsthand, noted how organized and intentional the setup has become.
“You roll up, and it’s like a system,” Biggie said. “Everything’s prepped. The team knows what they’re doing. You can tell this isn’t random.”
A Defining Moment
One of the most important turning points for Burrito Boys came through a collaboration with Chef Ryan Stuart of Thrive Hospitality. Roc credits that partnership with helping him realize the potential of what he was building.
“When Chef Ryan told me, ‘You got something, and it’s got legs,’ that’s when I knew,” Roc said. “That meant everything to me.”
That relationship also opened the door to Burrito Boys operating as a ghost kitchen, allowing customers to order consistently through Uber Eats instead of waiting for weekend pop-ups. Today, Burrito Boys is available for pickup and delivery most days of the week, offering a different kind of accessibility than many pop-up concepts.
Balancing Passion, Family and Mental Health
Outside of Burrito Boys, Roc has spent 17 years as a barber, a career he continues while running the food business. Balancing multiple roles, along with family life, has not been easy.
“I’m either crazy or delusional,” Roc said with a laugh. “But I believe in what I have.”
During the conversation, Roc also opened up about mental health and how cooking helped him through some of the most difficult moments in his life. After going through a divorce and living alone, he found himself searching for direction.
“Cooking saved me from spiraling,” he said. “It gave me peace. It gave me purpose.”
Roc shared that therapy, self-reflection and creative work all played a role in helping him rebuild. He believes those experiences have made him more aware of his own emotions and more compassionate toward others.
“It’s important for men to talk,” Roc said. “Don’t keep it all inside. Don’t be afraid to seek help.”
Lessons for Aspiring Food Entrepreneurs
When asked what advice he would give others looking to start something of their own, Roc did not hesitate.
“Just do it,” he said. “Forget what anybody has to say. Use the tools you have.”
For Roc, social media has been one of the most powerful tools available. Rather than relying on influencers or paid advertising early on, he focused on consistency and storytelling.
“Marketing is everything,” he said. “You’ve got free tools right in front of you. Use them.”
Looking Ahead
Toward the end of the conversation, Biggie asked Roc to speak his vision into the universe. Roc’s answer was honest and ambitious.
“I want Shaq to see this,” Roc said. “He’s from Newark like me. I admire everything he’s done for the community. He’d be my dream investor.”
Whether that moment comes or not, Burrito Boys continues to grow organically through word of mouth, pop-ups and a loyal customer base that keeps coming back.
“Right now, I have three people working for me,” he said. “Those are opportunities I created. That matters to me.”
As Biggie put it during the episode, “Good food, a good barber, and a good therapist, those are essentials in life.” In Roc’s case, he manages to be a little bit of all three.
Lunch with Biggie is a podcast about small business and creatives sharing their stories and inspiring you to pursue your passion, with some sandwich talk on the side. The show is produced by Biggie, the owner of the sandwich themed clothing brand Deli Fresh Threads.
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The Orlando Life is an independent local publication dedicated to telling the stories of the people, places and experiences shaping life in Orlando. Our editorial work is created locally and grounded in firsthand experience, community relationships and a deep understanding of the city beyond tourism. We focus on culture, food and drink, business and the experiences that define everyday life in Orlando.
