Controversial burrito joint, Illegal Pete’s, to open in Tempe

PHOENIX — Illegal Pete’s, a Mexican restaurant that caused controversy in Tucson because of its name, will soon open a location in Tempe.

The Colorado-based restaurant prides itself as a fast-casual restaurant and bar that has a relaxed atmosphere.

The menu includes an assembly style burrito bar with chicken, steak, carnita, beef, fish and vegan based options. It also has specialty desserts and foods such as quesadillas, taquitos, tacos, bowls, sopapillas and cookies.

Illegal Pete’s also features a full bar with daily happy hours. It will be located near Mill Avenue and Fifth Street in the heart of downtown Tempe.

The restaurant began in Boulder, Colo., home of the University of Colorado, and then expanded to Denver near Denver University.

Its first location outside of Colorado was the Tucson restaurant, which opened in 2015.

During the 2015 opening in Tucson, people protested saying that the name degrades Mexican immigrants.

The name Illegal Pete’s stemmed from the name of founder Pete Turner, whose father was also named Pete. According to the restaurant’s website, Turner first discovered the name, Illegal Pete’s, while reading a novel in college.

Turner originally felt the name supported the counterculture atmosphere he believed would thrive in college towns.

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