Chipotle Celebrates 1,000th Chipotlane Milestone

Chipotle has celebrated another milestone as of Nov. 21 with the opening of the fast-food giant’s 1,000th “Chipotlane.”

The landmark restaurant, which is situated in the Kansas City metro area, has the company’s recognizable computerized order drive-thru pickup lane, according to a news release. Nearly 30% of the company’s real estate portfolio’s 3,600+ restaurants have a Chipotlane.

Early in 2018, the Mexican-American-inspired fast-food restaurant launched the Chipotlane concept in the United States, allowing customers and delivery drivers to pick up their meals without getting out of their automobiles. Compared to a typical restaurant concept, new restaurant openings that use the digital order pickup lane have shown better volumes and stronger returns. Guests typically finish the Chipotlane treatment in less than 30 seconds.

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“Chipotlanes are a critical piece of our long-term growth goal of reaching 7,000 restaurants in North America,” said Chris Brandt, chief brand officer, in a statement accompanying the press release. “This restaurant format is the fastest way for fans to get Chipotle and has proven to increase sales, margins, and returns.”

Chipotle Is Getting Into the Holiday Season

Earlier this month, the company announced its newest offering: the “All I Want for Christmas” collection, which is sure to get fans into the holiday spirit.

A car napkin holder, a “water” cup candle, and cilantro soap are among the unusual Chipotle presents. While stocks last, the products can be bought separately or in a set starting on Nov. 14.

The “Water” Cup Candle is a lemonade-scented candle that was inspired by patrons who “accidentally” fill their water cups with lemonade while dining at the restaurant, while cilantro soap is a tribute to individuals who find eating cilantro to have a soapy taste. Finally, for “fans who are known to stash stacks of Chipotle napkins in their vehicle and the many mukbangers who swear by their car being the best place to enjoy a burrito,” Chipotle designed a napkin holder for their cars.

“Over the years, we’ve seen these limited edition merch drops sell out in a matter of minutes or hours and pop up on resale websites for up to five times their retail price,” Brandt said in a statement about the merch drop. “Now we are giving our superfans a second chance to get their hands on these coveted products that they helped inspire.”