During my stay in Denver to see family and friends and look at some schools for a weekend, I had the opportunity to visit one of the best fast/casual places to eat across the country, however, with a twist. Sure, you can go to Chipotle on Preston and Forest near Jesuit next to La Madeline, but it’s only right to experience where it all began.
In 1993, Steve Ells launched the renowned Mexican grill, opening his first location near the University of Denver Campus on 1644 E Evans Ave. Ells began his culinary mission in culinary school in New York State, eventually moving west to observe the best chefs in the Pacific. He shadowed and became a cook at Jeremiah Tower in San Francisco, and focused on the concept of taquieras and the growing popularity shock of burritos in the U.S. And decided to take a risk and start a restaurant, and the rest is history.
Origin of Chipotle:
Ells began his journey in 1993, with an 85,000 dollar loan from his father. The concept is a fast-casual restaurant where you are in a line while the Chipotle employee s Chipotle’s’ intent is a true Mexican inspired restaurant, but more similar to a Tex-Mex cuisine style. Ells’ mindset was to make every ingredient used in their burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, and salads fresh as can be. Nowadays, large fast food and casual places have turned into large corporations buying cheap ingredients to make more profit, but also not realizing the effect it has on our countries health.
Additionally, McDonalds in 1998, initially made a minor investment in the company, and eventually became the largest known investor for Chipotle at the time. In 2006, McDonalds ultimately divested Chipotle and became a new image apart of their line of restraints. However, Ells and other board members like COO Gretchen Selfridge stated “we just really didn’t do,” regarding Selfridge McDonald’s plane to take over management, and alter the values of what Chipotle instilled at the time as a fresh fast casual restaurant. For example, they insisted Chipotle to get drive thru windows at all locations and serve breakfast in the morning.
Also, Ells became very motivated “to serving food that was ethically and naturally produced,” focused to use high source ingredients, but more importantly committed to not allow McDonalds to overtake business through changing the image of Chipotle.
Now, Chipotle has hired 100,000 employees for their 3,236 locations across the U.S. Chipotle, since 2021, offers 44 international Chipotle restaurants, in countries like France, U.K, Germany, Canada, and France. As of recently Chipotle has partnered with a franchise retail called Alshaya Group in the Middle East to open restraints in the Dubai and Kuwait areas, as of now, according to KTLA.com, they will continue to expand and promote their popular fast casual dining further into the Middle East region.
My Opinion and Experience
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had chipotle after a workout, practice, or even a school, it never gets old. Like any other Chipotle, as the format of the building, however, very small and limited. The line goes by much quicker during rush hour times during lunch or dinner, since it is right across the street from the University of Denver campus, it brings in a lot of business.
Not only is it a well-known location for not just students at DU, but also residents in the Denver community. It brings in many tourists, and serves as a staple throughout the Denver community.
In my opinion, the only negative was the amount of seating in the small space. It consists maybe three or four tables and 10-12 stools. I assume since it is in such a great location, people can get in and get out quick. Highly recommend anyone that is in Denver for a weekend. If you are a Chipotle goer or fanacic, this is the spot for you to experience the history inside the doors along with the atmosphere. Same food and concept back home, but where it all started originally 30 years ago. It is worth a visit. 10/10.
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