My First Time at the New Chipotle
An Eye-Opening Experience
The other day I decided to grab a quick bite for lunch and swung by a shopping center near me. As I pulled into the parking lot, I did a double take — the old Arby’s that had been a fixture in this plaza for over a decade was gone! In its place stood a shiny new Chipotle Mexican Grill.
I hadn’t heard anything about Arby’s closing down, so this new outpost of the popular fast-casual chain surprised me. Intrigued, I parked and headed inside to check it out.
The interior of the restaurant was sleek and modern, with a minimalist vibe. Everything looked freshly painted and spotless. A cheerful young woman greeted me behind the counter — her name tag read “Jenny.”
When I asked Jenny how long this location had been open, she cheerfully informed me that they had been serving customers for about two months now. I couldn’t believe that a whole restaurant had been gutted and transformed into something entirely new without me even realizing it!
I was excited to finally try Chipotle’s famous build-your-own tacos and bowls. Everything on the line looked incredibly fresh — rows of salsas, guacamole, lettuce, beans, rice, chicken, steak, and more awaited my choosing. Despite the newfangled look of the place, the smells of grilled meat and simmering beans were warm and comforting.
I ordered a chicken quesadilla as the centerpiece of my meal, adding on some tomato salsa, black beans, cilantro-lime rice, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese on the side. The total came out to a very reasonable $8.45 — not bad for a hearty lunch with premium ingredients.
I sat down to eat, and the food did not disappoint. The quesadilla had a perfect balance of melted cheese and tender grilled chicken. The sides paired nicely to create a satisfying Mexican-inspired meal. Munching away, I observed a steady stream of other patrons coming in to order their bowls, salads, and tacos. It seemed the new Chipotle was already doing brisk business.
As I ate, I recalled reading some recent news about how Chipotle has been rapidly expanding while implementing various automation technologies to optimize its operations. No robots were apparent inside this location, but digital menu boards and sneeze guards were in place.
Rumor has it that Chipotle is even testing a robotic chef named “Chippy” to cook tortilla chips! While robots making fast food may conjure up images of a cold, dystopian future for some, these innovations could be beneficial regarding speed, efficiency, and sanitation.
All in all, my first Chipotle experience was a positive one. The food was fresh and delicious, the decor was sleek, and the service was friendly and fast. As much as I’ll miss the old Arby’s, this new outpost brings an exciting new dining option to my neighborhood. And while only time will tell how innovations like robots could change fast food, Chipotle seems to be intelligently embracing technology to enhance its offerings. I look forward to many more satisfying return trips!
What do you think about the fast food industry, Chipotle, and tech automations? Do you think robots like “Chippy” can be the new it thing?
