A reader writes:
After reading one of the posts on sloopin the other day I realized that many other people in the Sloop are craving a Chipotle so I decided to write to them via their website.
Sadly it doesn't look like we're getting a South Loop Chipotle any time soon. I'm curious who all the people are that they copied in the below email are. Perhaps owners of the other Chipotle's in the city? Maybe I can lobby them...
This is probably good news for Flaco's Taco's (our local fast Mexican option at 725 S. Dearborn), but in reality we bet that they could coexist with Chipotle fine. Anyway, if you want to read the entire email from Chipotle click here.
(Hat tip: JG!)
(Image from: Michigan 5K Website)
Can someone start an online petition? Maybe if we can show them a large customer base they will look more closely at us?
ReplyDeleteThe idea of lobbying for a chipotle makes me laugh. It would be great if those stupid vacant commercial spaces were somewhat affordable and an actual small business can go in there. It is a shame that the only places we can hope for are from corporations like McDonalds/Chipotle. Save your maaaan commments. I simply think it is a sad state when we are held hostage by rent prices for new businesses. I don't live in Orland Park for a reason.
ReplyDeleteI thought all the Chipotle comments were made sarcastically. Are they for real? Chain fast food scares the crap out of me. I support independant places by local, small business owners. I hope a Chipotle never comes and am happy to read so in your email.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Chipotle!
a. If you fatbutts want to chow down on burritos so bad then goto Pilsen for the real thing or go a mile up north and pick one of the 9 chipolte/Qdobas in the loop. Lazy AND fat is no way to go through life
ReplyDeleteb. If you live in Orland freakin Park either stay off this blog or recruit some of the braindead nimbys in the south loop to move to Orland with you. There you will have all the fast food resturants and stop light you need!
good lord
Anything is better than empty retail, but I don't see Chipotle as a pioneer of empty storefronts. All of their locations are in heavy traffic areas with many businesses nearby.
ReplyDeleteIs it the rent or the city red tape that is the biggest barrier to open in the Sloop? Just curious. I would love to see local businesses everywhere, but usually it takes corporate investment to get things started. Nothing wrong with a few chains here & there.
MarkChicago said it best: while there are Chipotles (sometimes multiple) in pretty much every neighborhood in Chicago, they are all in places with high visibility and heavy foot traffic. Sloop has neither (sadly and unfortunately).
ReplyDeleteIt is sad that they aren't a pioneer, as south michigan and south wabash are looking more and more bleak every year!
Its true we lack some foot traffic but good options will draw people out of their buildings. I am curious how waffles and pita heaven are doing since they opened. I think a chipotle type product would draw much more business than those places.
ReplyDeleteFatbutts? Are you serious? Chipotle is pretty healthy and fresh (as far as fast-food goes).
ReplyDeleteIt's not like we're talking about expanding the fried chicken buffet at Jewel (so gross - I cannot get over the fact that it sits right at the entrance to the store!).
Carbon Mexican Grill, at 300 W 26th, is a perfecty fine, south-loop-adjacent, Chipotle substitute.
ReplyDeleteTheir tortilla chips are better (corn AND flour?! yum!!), and they deliver!
Thanks Anon! Carbon looks solid!!! A bit far away, but looks like carryout is encouraged (if not required?). They also deliver.
ReplyDeleteRe: Carbon - They do have a handful of tables for dining in, but much of their business is carryout/delivery. I often see Chicago cops eating there, which is always a good sign. The drink selection includes beer and Jarritos, how can you go wrong?
ReplyDeletei <3 fitguy
ReplyDeleteYES FATBUTTS. Flour tortilla, WHITE rice and fatty meats. not to mention the PORTIONS!
ReplyDeleteBelieve me, if you want to ease your concious by convincing yourself that eating a 1 lb bowl of meat and cheese is good because they sprinkled a few veggies on top then please go ahead
People who want burrito joints are chubby.
Carbon is great. Try the Elote corn dish. Fish tacos are solid as well. Delivery is good.
ReplyDeleteNot all burrito place items are bad. Im in the gym twice a day. Im lean not a bodybuilder. Burrito bowls black been, veggies, double chicken, hot salsa and guac is one of the healthiest high protein low carb meals ur gonna find for a fast food place. Chipotle would be great for people on the go trying to lose weight around here. Jasons deli is the only diet friends to go place we have around here
ReplyDeleteHey Fit Guy,
ReplyDeleteYou must be insecure in your own weight if you find a need to insult 'people who want burrito places'. I want a burrito place and my BMI is 20. I am by no means 'chubby.'
I find Chipotle to be a good value if you do it right. Even with Cheese and Sour Cream, A burrito without rice and double meat will give you about 50 grams of protein for only about 1100 calories. Split a burrito into lunch and dinner and you've got 500 calories per meal. Two fresh, satisfying meals for under ten bucks and you're still wayyyy under 2000 calories for your day
Fit guy you are probably some wannabe gym grunter without a job or a personality.
I for one would like a Chipotle or any burrito place in the area. Call me fat butt or whatever you would like as I am not the one trying to ease my concious. And like other fast food places adding healthier options there are ways to eat in a not so terribly unhealthy manner - ie burrito bowl, fajita vegetables, salsa and lettuce if that is what you enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI'd be fine if a Chipotle moved in, but I'm not going to lobby for it. Carbon is awesome.
ReplyDeleteWell id you must know I am a lawyer and also a marathon runner so please to me the importance of diet.
ReplyDeletePoint is, and i have come across fatasses like you before, if you drool for a burrito place then you are a big fat butt. Feel free to make excuses like you usually do. I am happily married with two wonderful children--- my spirits are high and i am in great shape. I certainly dont stalk a blog and root for burrito places like you fattys.
Get real, and stop making excuses
Honestly im shocked Chipotle hasnt jumped into the neighborhood. No competition for decent fast food/carry out. Area full of college students and young professionals. O well who am I to judge the decisions of a chain.
ReplyDeleteHow did the subject matter change from WHY Chipotle hasn't stepped forward into our neighborhood (rent, lack of foot-traffic [preposterous!], chain-decision) to the health benefits of Chipotle's menu? Really, sloopers? There's no need for bickering.
ReplyDeleteI for one, am for it. It would be a great asset to a lot of the Columbia College kids and general inhabitants. The sloop is very residential.. there are people here.
have fun getting fat, fat butts
ReplyDeleteHey Fit Guy,
ReplyDeleteYou must be one of those unemployed 'lawyers' because you cannot spell or type. And your claims are as flawed as your personality. You claim that you dont 'stalk a blog' but then make inflammatory posts at ten pm on a saturday night. Shouldn't you be at the gym? I guess maybe you were just being ironic.
Many of the comments on this blog are immature. Making fun of people's weight? Making light of people unemployment status? What's next? Making fun of someone's health diagnosis? Are you guys really adults? With children? Sloopie, why don't you, um you know moderate discussion? However, I think you actually enjoy this stupid type of discourse.
ReplyDeleteLAY OFF MY HUSBAND HE WORKS HARD
ReplyDeleteI'm down for any kind of business in the Sloop. Mom and pop may not be sustainable in the short term. But a chain may hold up. As long as there's some sort of activity and people are buying property, I am happy.
ReplyDelete@Fit Guy - you are an idiot!
Sloopy - great job!
EH why not, couldnt hurt. I don't understand the whole "im fat" thing but maybe thats just me
ReplyDelete"People who want burrito joints are chubby."
ReplyDeleteYou're close. Burrito joints give me a chubby.
I'll see your Chipotle and raise you an Olive Garden!
ReplyDeleteThese arguments are ridiculous.
ReplyDelete1. Chain restaurants and local restaurants are NOT mutually exclusive. This is not a debate over what to do with one specific vacant store front. Sadly, there are quite a few down here. The existence of a Chipotle may, in fact, create demand for other local business by drawing consumers.
2. Supporting Chipotle does not make someone fat or lazy. Sure, if you only eat burritos loaded with cheese and sour cream everyday you aren't doing yourself any favors. But honestly, you could get something equally as bad, or worse, at any restaurant. It comes down to moderation. Plus, Chipotle deserves some credit for the source and quality of the ingredients they use.