From a double protein bowl to a simple quesadilla, everyone has a favorite Chipotle order. Whether the ingredients are a cacophony of flavors or a more harmonized offering, people know that fresh and flavorful are two words that can describe every order. It is because these two items will never be found in a Chipotle restaurant.
Some people might not appreciate that guacamole is extra or long for that tortilla hack that previously offered more value with every meal. Although Chipotle’s menu can expand and contract with trends, there are two things that always remain constant and it might surprise guests.
According to Chipotle, the two things that will never be found in a Chipotle restaurant is a can opener and a freezer. If the restaurant does not serve food from a can, it does not need a can opener. If the ingredients are fresh, there is no need for a freezer.
The idea might not be common, but it makes sense for Chipotle. This concept goes back to the brand’s original concept. Fresh, delicious, and real food is the core of its values. The spices can vary, and the customization matters to the guest. Without great ingredients, nothing else matters.
On Top Chef Season 22 episode 6, the Quickfire Challenge featured Chipotle. As Kristen Kish revealed, Chipotle does not have a can opener or a freezer in its restaurants. It was a quiet moment but one that proved this fast casual restaurant deserved a Top Chef challenge.
The cheftestants had to adapt the idea that Chef Susur Lee and his son do well in this social channels, turn quick service restaurant meals into elevated dishes. The Top Chef version used just the ingredients in their Chipotle order, not the actual meal. Still, the concept was a reminder that Chipotle takes pride in its fresh ingredients.
The best part of this challenge was seeing a dish like Tristen’s which transformed the same ingredients from his Chipotle order into a totally different style of cuisine. Sometimes seeing how food crosses cuisines can make that favorite lunch taste even better.
While some people might scoff at the Top Chef challenge, the reality is that the concept of re-looking at that classic Chipotle order can be the tastiest culinary inspiration. Maybe those leftovers from that bowl could be an Asian inspired lunch, an African influenced breakfast, or a Cajun late night snack. Finding connections through food makes every bite taste even better.