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Burri King Owners Bring Mexican Cuisine to South Bend
Longtime Notre Dame employees open new restaurant after retirement
Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:23am
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Alejandra and Jose Botello, who dedicated over 35 years of their lives working at the University of Notre Dame, have opened a new Mexican restaurant called Burri King in South Bend, Indiana. The couple purchased the building with the intention of renting it out for small parties, but Jose's active nature led them to open their own restaurant venture after his retirement.
Why it matters
The opening of Burri King represents a new chapter for the Botellos, who spent decades as dedicated employees at Notre Dame. Their transition to small business owners in their retirement years highlights the growing trend of former university staff finding entrepreneurial opportunities in their local communities.
The details
After 35 years as a housekeeper at Notre Dame, Alejandra Botello and her husband Jose decided to purchase a building in South Bend with the initial plan of renting it out for small parties. However, Jose's active personality led the couple to open their own Mexican restaurant, Burri King, in the space. The restaurant aims to provide a one-stop-shop experience for customers seeking authentic Mexican cuisine.
- Alejandra Botello worked as a housekeeper at the University of Notre Dame for 35 years.
- Jose Botello retired, opening up a new chapter for the couple.
- The Botellos purchased a building in South Bend with the intention of renting it out for small parties.
- The Botellos decided to open their own Mexican restaurant, Burri King, in the purchased building.
The players
Alejandra Botello
A 35-year housekeeper at the University of Notre Dame who, along with her husband Jose, opened the new Mexican restaurant Burri King in South Bend.
Jose Botello
The husband of Alejandra Botello, who retired from his job and helped open the new Burri King restaurant with his wife in South Bend.
What they’re saying
“He's a hyper man, so he doesn't want to just be sitting at home. We bought this building thinking that it's just going to be rented out for little parties.”
— Alejandra Botello
The takeaway
The Botellos' transition from long-time university employees to small business owners in their retirement demonstrates the entrepreneurial spirit and community-driven values that can emerge when dedicated workers find new opportunities to serve their local area.
