Barberitos Southwestern Grille & Cantina is celebrating its 18th birthday.

Founder and CEO Downing Barber opened the first Barberitos location on February 20, 2000, in Athens, Ga. Since then, the company has grown to include almost 50 locations throughout Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina.

"Watching Barberitos grow from a dream to a successful franchise has been a thrilling ride," Barber said. "I can't wait to see what the coming years hold for us as we approach 20 and beyond."

Recent milestones for the company include the opening of its first Alabama location last year, as well as being named among the "Top 20 Emerging Franchise Chains" by "Nation's Restaurant News." Barberitos was also recognized in 2017 by the "Athens Banner-Herald" for being voted the winner of the 2017 Readers' Choice Awards in the burrito category.