Before working for Chipotle, I never really understood the excitement people would get from eating there. Not to mention I had only ever eaten there once before I was employed. Yet being there for over a year, I still see the same customers coming through. One customer once told me, “I always eat here because the food is healthy and healthy is good!” She’s right; we use non-GMO meats, our meat is naturally raised, and all of our salsa’s and toppings are made fresh every day. Plus the food tastes great!
(Image source: https://chipotle.com/gift-cards)
But as we all know, healthy is almost never cheap. First-time customers are usually the most shocked that their chicken bowl alone rings up to $7.02 (after tax). “Do chips come with the meal?” “Do you guys have some sort of combo special?” “Is there a student/military/teacher discount?” I usually hear these kinds of questions at least once a week. With that being said, I want to make your next visit easier. Here are a few hacks that will for sure help you get a bang for your buck.
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Get your taco/burrito tortilla on the side.
(Image source: https://chipotle.com/menu)
Generally, and sensibly speaking, you get way more in a bowl than you do in tacos and a burrito. You can only put so much in tacos because of how small they are and you can only put so much in a burrito before it’s impossible to roll. So next time you visit Chipotle, ask for a burrito bowl with a tortilla (or taco tortillas) on the side. (Also, if you choose to get hard tacos on the side, you can break them up over your bowl and make a taco salad!)
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Are you not that hungry but you’re still craving Chipotle? Get a kid’s meal.
(Image source: http://www.everydayhealth.com/what-nutritionists-order-chipotle/)
With this option, you get a choice of building your own tacos or getting a small quesadilla. Choosing either one, you can get up to three sides inside the tray that the meal comes with. Additionally, a kid’s drink and a side of kid’s chips or fruit is included in the meal. Unlike some places, Chipotle will sell this meal to you even if you’re an adult.
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Maybe you’re a regular customer and you’d like to change up your order next time. But how? Try Chipotle’s honey vinaigrette.
(Image source: https://chipotle.com/menu)
This vinaigrette, which is made from scratch daily, is ideally for salads. But there are some customers who will not eat their bowls or burritos without it. It’s sweet and savory flavor is the perfect change to your regular order!
- Have you heard of a 3-pointer?
(Image Source: https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/chipotle-mexican-grill-greenville-3?select=0CjLsXTXH43sxz9CLlly1Q)
If you just so happen to get rice, cheese, and lettuce in a bowl, you won’t be charged for a full bowl. You read that right; your bowl is not the price of a full bowl! Each item on the line has a certain amount of “points.” Half of the line is equivalent to one point, and the other half (the meats, guacamole, and cheese) are equivalent to two points. Now you know; get a bowl with chicken and rice so you won’t have to pay full price!
I know there are some people who are die hard Chipotle fans. But it almost never fails when I mention this next item, even to our most loyal customers.
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A hidden item: The Quesarito
(Image source: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=153993171)
This is definitely one of the more expensive items, but it always impresses. A quesarito is basically a burrito with melted cheese on the outside. We lay out a tortilla, spread cheese on it, and then we put another tortilla on top of that and put it on the quesadilla press. Once the cheese is melted, we take it off and you build it like a burrito. You’ll definitely have to spend at least two or three more dollars than you usually do, but if you’re into trying new things, this is it!
Hopefully, you’ll use one of these hacks the next time you visit a store. And lastly, if you or anyone you know is a veteran, Chipotle is offering discounts to Vets this Friday, November, 11th. Stop by to redeem your order!