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1. The food is safer to eat than ever before
Following some scary cases of foodborne illness in the restaurants, Chipotle took action to decrease the risk of cross-contamination. In a mandatory, all-staff meeting, the chain announced that ingredients like tomatoes, lettuce and peppers would be prepped in a central company kitchen instead of on-site at each restaurant to ensure consistent, safe practices moving forward. In addition, employees reported taking extra precautions in the actual restaurants, like blanching the vegetables that are delivered before preparing them to kill off any bacteria that could make customers sick.
2. The chain has really cracked down on sanitation policies
Employees are instructed to not only wash their hands each hour, but to also use hand sanitizer immediately afterward to eliminate lingering germs. Thanks to strict new rules, you can rest assured that anyone prepping and cooking your food or serving it has washed up, especially after using the restroom or taking out the trash.
3. Cinco de Mayo will definitely bring on separation anxiety
As you're celebrating the festive holiday with a cold margarita, you'll remember the way Chipotle employees used to lovingly dollop fresh guac on your burrito bowl. You might get a lump in your throat and even start thinking about how cute the guy at the register looked in his logo-emblazoned ball cap ... Okay, maybe we're exaggerating a bit, but you know you're dying to make a burrito run.
4. Managers are ensuring that their employees are healthy
If a Chipotle worker is feeling under the weather, they're encouraged to tell their manager immediately, and now there's more initiative for them to do so. In an effort to avoid spreading illnesses (they definitely don't want another norovirus outbreak), the chain is providing paid sick leave to encourage workers to take the necessary time off to get well—in some cases, they've been even told not to return to work until five days after their symptoms disappear!
5. Loyal customers have some good karma coming
Despite past statements from Chipotle reps claiming that the chain would never have customer rewards, there are now plans to launch a loyalty rewards program. Though details of the forthcoming system haven't been released, frequent burrito-eaters can likely look forward to some perks in the near future.
6. There's talk of a possible breakfast menu
Chipotle prides itself on having a simple, straightforward menu with few changes since the beginning, but another meat option will soon join the ranks with steak, chicken, carnitas and barbacoa. It's been announced that chorizo, a spicy sausage made with chicken and pork, will become available, adding to customers' indecisiveness and leading to speculation about morning items like breakfast burritos. Move over, Egg McMuffin!
7. They're getting serious about food sourcing
Chipotle has committed $10 million to help farmers meet new food safety standards. That means growers will be required to perform enhanced testing and food safety practices, resulting in more quality, local ingredients for Chipotle's restaurants across the country. Sounds like a delicious initiative to us!
8. You're missing out on free food
In an attempt to get customers back through the door, Chipotle has been offering tons of promotions, from free burritos on the day of its nationwide team meeting to a BOGO deal in honor of Teacher Appreciation Day. Friends don't let friends miss out on free eats!
9. The new drink menu is going to blow your mind
Get ready, because cocktails are coming! Chipotle has been pouring classic margaritas for a while now, but the drink menu could be getting seriously bolstered with boozy options like frozen margs, sangria and even draft beer. Something we really hope to see in locations everywhere: a massive cooler packed with canned and bottled brews!
10. You're having carnitas withdrawal
Have you been feeling jittery lately? Suffering from pounding headaches brought on by the scent of slow-roasted pork? Your body is having a natural reaction to carnitas deprivation, and the only cure is Chipotle. We know that no other chain can replicate their secret recipe, and we're here to tell you that it's okay to give in. Get ready for the best burrito of your life—absence makes the heart grow fonder!
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