The great burrito gorge

Paul Clinton

A pool of challengers has begun lining up to unseat five-time

burrito-eating champ Lori Roberts in OC Taco House’s annual Cinco de Mayo

celebration Sunday.

The Huntington Beach taco restaurant hosts a burritto-eating contest

every May 5. And since 1997, the 24-year-old Roberts has won the crown,

chomping down a three-pound burrito in record time.

Last year, Roberts set an all-time record for herself, finishing the

burrito in an eye-popping 1 minute 30 seconds.

Roberts, a figure skater, doesn’t live in the city, but has made a

name for herself in Huntington Beach. Her picture hangs on the

restaurant’s wall.

“She gets down and demolishes [the burrito],” said Jon Allen, the

restaurant’s general manager. “It’s a local tradition.”

More than 30 challengers have already entered the contest and will

attempt to unseat Roberts, Allen said. Anyone can join the crowd until

shortly before the 1 p.m. event on Sunday.

The taco house hands out $500 cash and prizes to the top three

finishers. This year, everyone who enters the contest will be given a

free haircut at Great Clips 4 Hair, next door to the restaurant.

Coca-Cola is also sponsoring this year’s contest, Allen said. The

company has provided merchandise to be given away at the event.

OC Taco House is at 5942 Edinger Ave.