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Multiplatinum Band Member’s Next Act? Building a Burrito Chain

October 24, 2019

Jerry DePizzo has a steady gig as member of massively popular rock band O.A.R. But he’s also going all in on an Ohio-based burrito concept.

Jerry DePizzo (crouching) acquired Big Mamma’s Burritos earlier this year along with business partner Matt Crumpton (fifth from left).

There are plenty of foodservice entrepreneurs who split their time between a restaurant company and another gig. But few can lay claim to a side hustle quite like Jerry DePizzo’s.

DePizzo is a core member of the multiplatinum band O.A.R., a massively popular rock outfit that’s put out 10 records in 20-plus years. But even while O.A.R. is still going strong on the national circuit, DePizzo is also building an Ohio-based fast-casual burrito concept.

In the midst of a busy touring season, DePizzo and his business partner, Matt Crumpton, bought Big Mamma’s Burritos earlier this year and intend to scale it through both franchised and corporate locations. The appeal of the concept, DePizzo says, was the alternative it offered on the burrito experience, with very un-burrito-like signature items like the Chipotle Ranch, Club, Philly, and Chili burritos.

“That’s what I really dug about Big Mamma’s: It wasn’t a traditional Mexican interpretation of a burrito,” he says. “It was a burrito with a twist. Surprisingly delightful, is what we’re trying to coin. It’s taking some things like a Philly cheesesteak and putting it in a burrito, or we’ll take a club sandwich that everyone knows and loves and do that as well.”

Besides owning Big Mamma’s Burritos, Jerry DePizzo plays saxophone, guitar, and other instruments for popular band O.A.R.