Edmonton’s fast food scene has rapidly expanded over the last couple of years with the introduction of American chains such as Chick-fil-A and Church’s Texas Chicken. Now, a new and highly anticipated player has entered the market: Chipotle.
The fast-casual chain is set to open its doors at its new YEG location at 4715 Calgary Trail NW. The eatery will officially be opening to the public on Thursday, September 19.
We got a sneak peek of the brand-new location, and we were not disappointed.
First of all, we were impressed by the freshness of the ingredients. In the morning, hours before the restaurant opens, staff are hard at work in the kitchen cutting avocados, dicing cilantro, jalapenos, and onions, slicing fajitas, and seasoning chicken in preparation for the day ahead.
Guacamole is made in-house, and there’s an emphasis on sourcing ingredients as locally as possible. As we watched how Chipotle’s most popular protein, the chicken, is prepared, we were told that ingredients are sourced from responsibly grown and raised suppliers.
We were also mind-blown to learn that each Chipotle restaurant goes through nearly 800 pounds of chicken daily.
Not only were we there to sample a few dishes, but we also got to try our hand at preparing guacamole and rolling our own burritos, which, as we learned, is no easy feat. What we loved about it most was that we got an up-close look at how all the food was prepared in-store.
We created a burrito with chicken, black beans, fajitas, cheese, and a healthy spoonful of hot sauce. The ingredients tasted fresh and delicious, and although we accidentally gave ourselves a bit too generous a portion of hot sauce, it did not take away from the flavour.
There’s plenty of space for dine-in, but if takeout is more of your jam, the outpost has the brand’s signature Chipotlane, a drive-thru pick-up lane where guests can grab their online orders without leaving the car.
What to Expect at the New Edmonton Location
The beloved Mexican fast-casual chain got its start back in 1993 in Denver, Colorado. They now have over 3,500 locations worldwide with this Chipotle being the third in Alberta, and first in Edmonton!
That’s right, you no longer have to head all the way to Calgary to get your burrito fix.
Chipotle prides itself on crave-worthy Mexican food that’s prepared fresh and never frozen. In fact, they don’t even have freezers or can openers at their restaurants!
Enjoy delicious burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, and salads made with real ingredients and no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives.
It’s fast food you don’t have to feel bad about, and that’s a win in our books.
Aside from tasty Mexican food? A lot!
The new Chipotle location in Edmonton will be opening on Thursday, September 19th at 10:45 AM at 4715 Calgary Trail NW.
The Edmonton location will also feature the brand’s signature Chipotlane. This is a drive-thru pick-up lane so you can grab your digital order without leaving your car.
You’ll also have a chance to try a brand-new menu item! The Edmonton restaurant will be offering Chipotle’s tender, Mexican-inspired Smoked Brisket, which is only available for a limited time.
Chipotle’s Commitment to Community
Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life, right? Well if you love Mexican food, then you’re in luck because Chipotle is hiring at the new Edmonton location as well as across Canada!
There are about 25 jobs per location, and they offer competitive benefits, such as:
You can learn more by visiting the Jobs section on their website.
Chipotle also offers communities the opportunity to host fundraisers! Find a local cause, and 25% of that location’s sales will be donated towards it. They offer in-restaurant and digital options, so you can raise money even if you prefer eating your Chipotle at home.
If you’re a local organization that wants to set up a fundraiser at the new Edmonton location, reach out by visiting the Philanthropy section on Chipotle’s website!
Ready to Taco ‘Bout It?
Talk about a community staple!
Check out the new Edmonton location this Thursday, and consider your lunch plans: made.
