By Gwyn Wright.

SHOPPERS queued for up to an hour to get a free burrito at Oxford's newest restaurant which opened today. 

A new branch of the chain Tortilla opened its doors on Cornmarket Street at 11am.

Diners were offered a free burrito between noon and 2pm. 

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Slavo Balaz, general manager at the new restaurant, said: ''I visited my brother who lives close to San Francisco, which is the capital of burritos, and I just loved it.

''I saw they were opening in Oxford and just said I really enjoy the concept, the food, the style - everything.''

Mr Balaz started out as a teacher before taking up various catering jobs. 

Oxford Mail:

Among the first visitors today were Claire, 36, and Benjamin, 39, who queued for 45 minutes before tucking into their lunch. 

Claire said: ''Customisation options are better - the other places just assume you want certain fillings.'' 

Christina, 31, who works for Oxford University, said: ''I hope it stays busy, I know that a lot of shops on the High Street are closing and stuff, so I hope it does well.'' 

Oxford Mail:

Megan Burton-Brown, head of marketing, said: ''We are slowly trying to take over the UK.

''Our main customers are tourists, business workers and students, so Oxford ticks all those boxes for us.'' 

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Burrito opened in 2007 and claims to be the biggest Mexican fast casual brand in the UK. 

A medium burrito costs £5.80 while the tres tacos dish costs £5.70. 

Normal opening hours are Monday to Wednesday 11pm to 10pm, Thursday to Saturday 11am to 11pm, and Sunday 11am to 10pm.