Chipotle Grill coming to Bend: reaction mixed

One of the most-awaited restaurant chains for many Bend-area residents, Chipotle Mexican Grill, confirmed to NewsChannel 21 on Tuesday it will be opening its first Central Oregon location off Northeast Third Street this fall.

A customer service consultant for the Denver-based company confirmed to NewsChannel 21 that Chipotle “will open (in Bend) some time around beginning/mid-October.”

The chosen location is next to Walgreens at 222 NE Emerson Avenue, near Third Street and Franklin Avenue, where it will share a building with a Jersey Mike’s Subs restaurant.

The reaction, as always to such out-of-town arrivals, was mixed.

“I think it’s a great idea,” said Bend resident Dean Tofte. “The Chipotles do a really good job at what they do in their segment of this business, so I embrace it. I think it’s great.”

Chipotle opened its first restaurant in 1993 and now has more than 1,800, including 17 outside the U.S.; and some wish they would stay outside of Bend.

“I like Bend, I grew up here, I like it,” said Bend resident Chrissy Engels. “The little hometown feel, I’d much rather have local businesses than little franchise businesses here.”

Here’s the company’s background, as stated in one of its news releases. Chipotle also makes clear on its Website that its restaurants are company-owned and not franchised.

“Steve Ells, founder, chairman and co-CEO, started Chipotle with the idea that food served fast did not have to be a typical fast food experience. Today, Chipotle continues to offer a focused menu of burritos, tacos, burrito bowls (a burrito without the tortilla) and salads made from fresh, high-quality raw ingredients, prepared using classic cooking methods and served in a distinctive atmosphere.

“Through our vision of Food With Integrity, Chipotle is seeking better food from using ingredients that are not only fresh, but that—where possible—are sustainably grown and raised responsibly with respect for the animals, the land, and the farmers who produce the food.

“In order to achieve this vision, we focus on building a special people culture that is centered on creating teams of top performers empowered to achieve high standards. This people culture not only leads to a better dining experience for our customers, it also allows us to develop future leaders from within.”

Chipotle is expected to employ 25 to 30 people, according to a company spokesperson.