The burrito was likely invented in Mexico in the early 20th century, with several competing theories about its origins. One popular theory credits Juan Méndez, a street vendor in Chihuahua, Mexico, during the Mexican Revolution (1910s). He wrapped food in large flour tortillas to keep it warm and transport it on his donkey, realizing it was a convenient and tasty way to serve meals. Another theory suggests that the burrito was invented in the northwestern Mexican state of Sonora as a portable food for travelers, named after the donkey ("burro") that was commonly used for transportation. There is also a story from Ciudad Juárez in the 1940s of a street vendor who wrapped portions of food in tortillas to sell to schoolchildren, calling them "burritos." The name "burrito" means "little donkey" in Spanish, possibly referring either to the donkey carrying the food or to the children who bought the food.
The modern large-style burrito, such as the Mission-style burrito from San Francisco, was developed later in the 20th century, specifically in 1961 by Febronio Ontiveros.
In summary, although the exact inventor is not definitively known, Juan Méndez is often credited as a key figure in the invention of the burrito in Mexico, with supporting theories linking the burrito's origin to practical, portable food needs linked to donkeys and travel.