How Chipotle Changed American Fast Food Forever

What about a place such as Five Guys?

 

Don't places such as Chipotle, Five Guys, Baja Fresh and Rubio's consider themselves fast casual, a step up from fast food.

Not sure of the distinction other than they cost a bit more than McDonald's, Burger, King and Taco Bell.

 

Yes.

But, Chipolte is among the fastest of them. Since the food is not cooked to order, but is assembled when you order, it's ready for you by the time you complete your transaction.

To me, a place where you get a number and they run you your food is a different animal.

And, a big part of the difference, beyond cost, is quality of food, as well as the restaurant atmosphere. You don't get formica tables, and chairs that are bolted to the floor at Chipotle.

And, it's a trend that's gaining even in fast food restaurants. Dunkin Donuts is building much nicer restaurants, in order to compete with Starbucks. Even McDonald's is building nicer restaurants.

 

That's not fast food.

 

https://www.chipotle.com/en-us/menu/nutrition_calculator/nutrition_calculator.aspx

A chicken burrito, chips and salsa comes in at a cool 1600 to 1800 calories.

http://midtownlunch.com/2008/04/21/basic-math-blows-holes-in-chipotles-absurd-calorie-range/

 

You can also get a very filling meal at Chipotle for 500-600 calories.

If you build a burrito bowl, and skip the cheese, sour cream, guacamole, you can do just fine there.

 

Steak, beans and brown rice in a bowl put you at 510.

How does brown rice have more calories than white rice? That surprises me.

 

And a burrito bowl is just another name for a salad.

 

Cheese is what gets you. Still quite a bit of calories and I love Chipotle. Probably eat it once a month.

 

I don't know about Chipolte (never had it), but I have noticed an explosion in Mexican cuisine. As a child of the '80s, Taco Bell was about as authentic a place one could find in town. Now there's a burrito/taco/whatever on every street corner. And I don't even like the stuff. For one Italian restaurant, maybe 10 Mexican restaurants. I'd rather have chicken parmesan or lasagna, just my taste.

 

Well, OK, any place will provide a ton of calories if you order every god-blessed item on the menu.

I order three taco, double chicken, with cheese. It is 600-700 calories. I'm pleasantly satiated.

As someone who can pack on the pounds in a hurry, I won't let McDonald's or Burger King near my mouth. I eat Chipotle at least twice a week. 5-9, 155, 32 1/2-inch waist.