This post is a reflection on an article written over at CreativeLoafing, and commented on by a representative from Chipotle Grill.
I’ll preface this post by saying that I love Mexican food. It doesn’t matter if it’s Taco Bell, Tapatios (or something equally authentic) or somewhere in between. If it’s some combination of rice, black or refried beans and corn or flour shell, chances are that I’ll really enjoy it. One of the shining stars of my experience in Mexican food has been Chipotle Grill (309 N Westshore Blvd, Tampa – (813) 289-9820).
Over the time I’ve been going there, I’ve noticed an alarming trend that has been pointed out to me both by other patrons and in the Creative Loafing article mentioned above. As the price continues to creep up, the portions become smaller. Is this the way our whole economy is going? I’ve noticed it in other restaurants too, but it seems so blatant at Chipotle that I have to take a minute to discuss.
Chipotle’s food used to be of such a high quality and quantity. 2 years ago, I went to the one on Westshore (for the first time eating at the chain) and was really surprised by both the value and the taste. I started eating there a few times a week because it was very satisfying and filling. For $6 or so, you would get a very large burrito, stuffed to the gills with meat, cheese, rice and beans. Never was the burrito artist short with the toppings and never did I feel cheated by the experience. The last several times I’ve been there, the servings have been getting smaller and smaller. I’d dare say the burritos are 20% smaller than they were even a year ago. Is 20% worth bitching about? It is when you’re paying 10% more. At this point, I end up going to Moe’s for their $5 Mondays and have been passing Chipotle by. It’s too bad, really.
Here’s a comment from Joe Stupp, a representative from Chipotle Grill:
As for our portions, we definitely have not decreased them. They’re still the same, and we aim to keep it that way. While it’s true that occasional employees and restaurants of ours can make temporary mistakes, this is not something we have decided to do on purpose or anything insidious like that. We would be happy to discuss your concerns with our team at whichever restaurant you normally frequent, since again, there should have been no decreases in portions. Can you tell me please which of our restaurants this would be (I’m assuming it’s somewhere in the Tampa area)? We’ll get this fixed. And while it’s true that “double meat” will alas cost extra, a normal portion of meat should never cost extra, and you should be able to get as much cheese as you want without trouble.
I know Joe Stupp says that they haven’t decreased serving size, but he’s absolutely wrong. I’d like to think it was just the Westshore store, but I recently ate at the one near USF (2576 E Fowler Ave, Tampa – (813) 971-4360) and discovered the same issue. Not only were the burritos themselves smaller, but they were much stingier with the ingredients. There was a time when you could ask for extra sour cream or extra guacamole and they would give you a heaping portion. These days, their “extra” is a teaspoon half-loaded and you still pay the same extra price.
I’m going to give Chipotle another chance this weekend, this time at the Howard Location (533 S Howard Ave, Tampa – (813) 254-6450). I’m hoping I can come back with a more positive review, but I’m not counting on it.
Denis A. Baldwin, 3 years ago
Josh – I don’t have any scientific measurement for the difference in size. My only comparison is what I’m used to and what I’ve been getting.
That said, I have a food scale here. Next time I get some food there, I’ll weigh it and see what it actually weighs. Of course, I’ll have no “before” to measure it again, but I guess it’s worth noting somewhere for others to compare.
Josh, 3 years ago
I have not experienced this but would be interested in seeing some more evidence of decrased portions. Is there anything you can provide in addition to your anecdotle evidence? Pictures/weights of burritos? Might sound silly, but the units in Texas don’t seem to be cutting portions across the board.
Denis A. Baldwin, 3 years ago
Bill – I agree with you. I also like the Moe’s atmosphere better. While Chipotle isn’t a bad atmosphere, it feels very cheap and “McDonalds-like” to me. The Moes I’ve been to all feel more like a college diner, or general hangout.
Bill From Gainesville, 3 years ago
I am a Moes guy myself although since I moved to Tampa I have been going to Chipotle much more, only because the one on Howard is closer to where I live. From Day one I have felt like the quality of the food is even between the two chains, and also from day 1 I have believed that the Chipotle is more expensive thus providing less value. I cannot comment on the size issue as my experience with Chipotle on that has been consistant. Bottom line, I pay a little more for the convenience but I bet if a Moes opened up right next door to the Chipotle it would clean up based on value alone.
Denis A. Baldwin, 3 years ago
Thanks for the reply, Dan. I really hope I’ve just had a fluke the last few times and they fix it. I miss the good old days!
Dan Holm, 3 years ago
Hi Denis,
I saw your comment on the Creative Loafing article, I appreciate you commenting and offering your feedback.
Although I am extremely impressed with Joe’s response as I wrote on my blog last night, I’m not completely sure that it makes it ok for what is happening in their stores. I can’t deny that portions have gone down. Like you however, I hope that things will change and go back to what they once were.
Best,
Dan
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