My Day at Chipotle UK
Up before the crack of dawn, I decided to kick-start the day by swinging by Chipotle. They start their service early, catering to early birds like myself, and continue straight through to dinner.
I've always been a bit of a foodie, and I found the history of Chipotle fascinating. It was started by Steve Ells back in 1993. Drawing his inspiration from taquerías and good old San Francisco burritos, Ells brought our beloved Chipotle to life in Denver, Colorado.
Ells wasn’t a stranger to the culinary world before Chipotle; he had honed his skills at the esteemed Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park in New York. Soon enough, he made his way to the sunny San Francisco, where he served as a line cook for Jeremiah Tower at Stars. Using his culinary knowledge, and a significant loan from his father, he fired up the first Chipotle in Denver. Proximity to the University of Denver made it a hot spot, appealing to students looking for a quick, substantial meal.
I found it fascinating to learn that after just one month, the restaurant was selling well over 1,000 burritos a day - way beyond the 107 burritos-per-day profit threshold that Steve and his father had originally forecasted. Initially, he even thought about using the profits from Chipotle to open a swankier eatery. However, luckily for us, he got charmed by the growth possibilities for Chipotle and steered his focus there. And aren’t we glad he did?
Fast forward to 2017, Chipotle is going strong with more than 2,400 locations, stays actively committed to preserving its distinctive culture and continues to use only environmentally friendly ingredients. As opposed to franchising out its locations, it has decided to retain them all, showcasing its uniquely crafted menus that have been the cornerstone of its success.
The McDonald’s Connection
Here’s something I didn’t expect: McDonald’s was a significant investor in Chipotle, in minority capacity at first in 1998, and later growing to become its single largest investor by 2001. McDonald’s notably played a crucial role in financing the growth story of Chipotle, catapulting it from just 16 locations in 1998 to over a whopping 500 by 2005. Quite a fairytale, eh?
However, it was all good things must come to an end, and McDonald's sold its shares in 2006 to focus on its primary business. Ever since, Chipotle has been buying back its franchises, reverting them to corporate control. In 2007, it went public.
By the way, ever wondered about the name Chipotle? It’s named after a dried jalapeño chill pepper – chipotle, a critical ingredient in Tex-Mex cuisine and a staple in Chipotle’s dishes. I guess you learn something new every day!
Where Can I Find Chipotle?
You can find Chipotle restaurants all over the globe - in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and France. As of December 2021, they operate out of 2966 locations, with a staggering 443 in California alone, 11 in London, and 28 in Canada. You’d think with their Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, they’d have a presence in Mexico and other Latin American countries, but shockingly, that’s not the case!
What Sets Chipotle Apart?
Well, the first thing I noticed was the fresh, high-quality ingredients. With a strict "no freezers or microwaves" policy, Chipotle guarantees a healthy and fresh meal every single time. They pride themselves on consistency, rarely changing their menu and ensuring your favourites are always there. The preparation process, while efficient and streamlined, also emphasizes individual orders, ensuring you can always expect quality from every bite.
Spice Up Your Life at Chipotle
Now, for the all-important question – how spicy is Chipotle? You might expect a spicy meal because the name "Chipotle" comes from a pepper used in Mexican food. But the menu items are typically quite mild, and since you can select your own toppings, you can completely control the heat level of your meal. However, spice lovers can turn up the heat by ordering their hot sauce or asking for extra jalapeños in your guacamole.
What are the Must-Try Dishes at Chipotle?
During my visit, I tried several menu items, and here are my top picks:
1. Carnitas Burrito: The notable dish of the house and boy, was it delicious! I couldn’t stop raving about how fluffy and warm the tortilla was and how every ingredient played its part to create a culinary masterpiece.
2. Chicken Burrito Bowl: The chicken burrito bowl was a feast for the senses and filled me up just right. The key here is flexibility. From the base ingredients to the additional veggies, everything is customizable.
3. Barbacoa Tacos: Sneaking in a soft shell tortilla with your choice of delicious fillings and a side of guacamole is a guaranteed flavor bomb!
4. Barbacoa Salad: For the health-conscious, the barbacoa salad is perfect – brimming with flavor, yet light on calories. The salad remains crisp, crunchy and fresh in every bite.
5. Steak Quesadilla: The steak quesadilla was a delectable treat, perfect for when you’re not in the mood for something hefty. Complete your meal by pairing it with their famous beans and rice.
How to Order at Chipotle?
Walking into a Chipotle for the first time can be a bit overwhelming, especially if there's a line. But I realized it’s pretty simple. You get to the counter (wait in line if there's a queue), and when it’s your turn, you select your base (burrito, taco, etc.), your protein, your type of rice, your beans, and your toppings. The best part? You get to watch your meal come to life right in front of you, beyond the glass wall. Once you’ve paid, you can dive into your scrumptious feast!
If you’re a couch potato (like yours truly on some days), worry not – you can order online through their website’s “order” page or their official mobile phone app, which is available for both iOS and Android.
Vegetarian at Chipotle? Yes, Please!
Chipotle is vegetarian and vegan-friendly. You can opt for vegan toppings like rice, beans, bell peppers and onions, among others. As of 2022, they've also introduced plant-based chorizo, which is made from pea protein and spices, including the chipotle pepper. For anyone with dietary restrictions, it is also gluten-free and soy-free.
Got Kids? We’ve Got You Covered!
Chipotle understands the need for kid-friendly options and they do a bang-up job with their children's menu. They have the Kid’s Quesadilla, and the ‘Build Your Own’ option that the kids absolutely love. They even serve apple juice and chocolate milk. The best part? The food comes in a tray that resembles a school lunchroom tray or a Japanese bento box – super fun!
What About Chipotle’s Timings?
Chipotle maintains consistent hours throughout the week, opening at 10:45 am and closing at 10 pm. However, it does recommend checking the times for your local Chipotle, as there may be slight variations.
Is It Healthy?
Despite what the rumors might indicate, Chipotle stands out amongst its fast-food counterparts as one of the healthier choices, thanks to their fresh ingredients, zero artificial flavorings, and meals that typically clock in under 1,000 calories. Items like their guacamole are particularly nutritious, packed with essential vitamins like B5 and K. Best of all, because you build your own meal, you can select the healthiest ingredients for a balanced meal.
Is Chipotle Halal?
Regrettably, Chipotle is not halal. But fret not, they offer plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, so you can still enjoy a hearty meal there.
Can I Cook Chipotle At Home?
While you can try recreating your favourite Chipotle dishes at home, sadly, they do not offer any products like sauces or marinades for home use. But hey, it’s worth the challenge, isn’t it?
Is Chipotle Guilty or Not?
There’s a common belief that a Chipotle meal can clock in at a kilocalorie. However, the silver lining is that like other eateries, they too have their fair share of healthy options. They might be served in smaller portions, but they pack a punch when it comes to satiating your appetite. Couple that with the flexibility of adding extra greens, veggies and salsas to your heart’s content, a meal at Chipotle can be as healthy as you make it!
What’s Up Chipotle?
With over 2,500 company-owned restaurants under its belt, Chipotle is not too far behind Taco Bell’s 7,000 locations. The team is consistently lean on technology, marketing, and customer service to keep up with rival giants. Despite the massive competition by brands like Domino’s Pizza and Taco Bell and despite navigating through tough times such as their recent outbreaks, they've powered on with a clear focus and passion for their craft.
My Take on Chipotle UK: The Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Wide range of options: burritos, tacos, bowls, salads, etc.
- Ability to customize food to your liking while they make it in front of you.
- Fresh, high-quality ingredients used daily.
- Vegetarian and vegan-friendly options available.
Cons:
- Not Halal-certified.
- No specialties available for home use.
- Extended queues during rush hours.
- No branches in Mexico or other Latin American countries, despite the cuisine.
In conclusion, my trip to Chipotle UK was an unforgettable one. It was a day filled with delicious food, new flavors, and intriguing history. I would recommend it to anyone looking for an enjoyable meal out.