The addition of Chipotle into State Street’s burrito scene has generated a buzz among business owners and students.
Chipotle, 658 State St., opened up shop Sunday to “phenomenal” business, according to area manager Ryan Judge. He said Chipotle should be able to hold its own against the other Mexican restaurants on State Street.
“Yeah, there are other burrito stores, but there are 30 great restaurants on State Street, and we’re competing against every one of them,” Judge said.
Chipotle’s main competitor is Qdoba, 548 State St., but general manager Derek Naff said the other Mexican restaurants on State Street will all survive.
“They will affect us initially, but we’re an icon here on State Street,” Naff said.
Taco Bell, 534 State St., general manager Mark Wilson said Chipotle’s opening would not hurt Taco Bell.
“It’s a matter of economics for college students,” Wilson said. “As fast food goes, we’re probably the least expensive, so I don’t think it will affect us.”
Brian Minor, an established Mexican connoisseur who patronized Qdoba five to six times per week in the 2001 spring semester, said Chipotle impressed him.
“It tasted the same as Qdoba, but I really liked Chipotle’s salsa because of the taste test in line,” Minor said.
Minor said his allegiance is now divided between Qdoba and Chipotle, but he did not think Qdoba’s business would decline.
“Qdoba owns the late-night market,” Minor said. “College kids want food after midnight, and Qdoba is the epitome of drunk eating.”
Naff said Qdoba can compete with Chipotle despite its deep pockets from McDonald’s investments.
“We’re the busiest Qdoba in the nation, and Chipotle opened up solely to compete with us,” Naff said.
Judge said although McDonald’s invests in Chipotle, the corporation has no influence in its operation. In response to criticism from other State Street businesses, Judge said he would take the high road.
“We’re just trying to do what we do and run our operation,” Judge said. “We’ve succeeded elsewhere.”
The Denver-based Chipotle chain began in 1993 and today includes over 200 restaurants nationwide, with plans for a Milwaukee venue later this year.
