Introduction
Chipotle is one of the most popular fast-food chains in the United States, and it’s no surprise why. Their burritos, tacos, and bowls are delicious and relatively healthy. But did you know that Chipotle is secretly trying to get you to spend more money? In this article, we’ll discuss three ways Chipotle is doing this, so you can be aware of their tactics and make sure you’re not overspending.
3 Ways Chipotle Is Secretly Making You Spend More Money
Chipotle is one of the most popular fast-food chains in the United States, and it’s no surprise why. The chain offers delicious burritos, tacos, and bowls that are made with fresh ingredients and customizable options. But while Chipotle may be a great option for a quick and tasty meal, it can also be a budget-buster if you’re not careful. Here are three ways Chipotle is secretly making you spend more money.
1. Upselling
Chipotle is notorious for upselling customers on their orders. When you order a burrito, for example, the cashier will often ask if you want to add guacamole or extra meat. While these add-ons may seem like a good idea in the moment, they can quickly add up and make your meal more expensive than you anticipated. To avoid overspending, stick to your original order and resist the temptation to add extra toppings.
2. Portion Sizes
Chipotle’s portion sizes are generous, which can be a good thing if you’re looking for a filling meal. But it can also be a bad thing if you’re trying to save money. If you’re not careful, you may end up with more food than you can eat in one sitting. To avoid this, consider ordering a smaller portion or splitting a meal with a friend.
3. Combo Meals
Chipotle offers combo meals that include a burrito, chips, and a drink. While these meals may seem like a good deal, they can actually be more expensive than ordering the items separately. To save money, order the items a la carte and skip the combo meal.
By being aware of these three ways Chipotle is secretly making you spend more money, you can enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank. So the next time you’re at Chipotle, remember to stick to your original order, order a smaller portion, and skip the combo meal.
While we’ve been hearing a lot about it, gasoline isn’t the only commodity that’s being affected by inflation. Grocery items are getting pricier and rent prices are at a 4.2% increase.
Your favorite restaurant chains aren’t immune to the highest inflation rates we’ve seen in decades either, and some have been taking more or less public measures to ensure that they keep average customer checks high and customers coming back for more.
Here are some of the ways America’s favorite fast-casual Chipotle is getting you to spend more money.
And don’t miss 4 Dine-In Chains Falling Out of Favor With Customers.
Adding new, more expensive items
One way Chipotle is trying to get around raising prices is by adding new, higher price-point items to the menu.
Chipotle’s latest addition to the menu is its Pollo Asado, featuring bits of hand-chopped grilled chicken that have been tossed in a spice blend and coated in a marinade, fresh-squeezed lime juice, and cilantro. While the chain already serves chicken, the new, juicier-sounding chicken clocks in at 65 cents more, which means customers will be paying a higher price for essentially the same protein.
Speaking of new proteins, Chipotle also added a plant-based chorizo to their menu in January and released a limited-run smoked brisket last September. Entrees with smoked brisket had an average price of $10.25, which is higher than the average for other beef options from the Mexican chain.
And it isn’t just the proteins—last year’s cauliflower rice was sold for an upcharge of $2.
Charging for things that used to be free
Gone are the days when you could ask for a free tortilla with your burrito bowl. In late 2020, Chipotle started charging 25 cents for a side tortilla—a decision that isn’t likely to change any time soon.
Raising menu prices
Even if you aren’t tempted by the newest chicken protein or quesadilla, you’re still paying more for your bowl today than you did a year ago. The Mexican chain did up its food prices by 4% in December to combat ongoing inflation, and CEO Brian Niccol says prices will likely continue to rise.
In 2022 alone, menu prices have already gone up by 6%, and this percentage could be even higher based on where you live. New York City and San Francisco have some of the highest Chipotle prices, according to Restaurant Business Online, with a steak burrito costing $10.60 in the Big Apple and a carnitas burrito costing $10.45 in Silicon Valley.
Even if you don’t live in one of these coastal cities, the average customer is spending 10% more now on their Chipotle than they did a year ago—and it’s not because they’re ordering extra food.