big Burrito is going Italian, with a California twist. The restaurant group, which operates numerous Mad Mex locations, as well as Casbah, Kaya, Eleven, Soba and Umi, will open Alta Via this March in O’Hara Township. Inspired by life in both the Italian Alps and California wine country, the menu will focus on modern Italian fare such as pasta, seafood and vegetable-forward dishes made over an open, wood-fired grill.

It’s a new concept big Burrito President and Corporate Chef Bill Fuller has been anxious to sink his teeth into. “I didn’t want to do Italian that was all red sauce and checkered tablecloths,” Fuller says. “I love veal parm and lasagna and meatballs, but I don’t feel suited to walk into that arena. That’s not my space. That’s not how I cook.”