When Chipotle opened its first store in 1993, the idea was simple: demonstrate that food prepared and served quickly didn’t have to be a “fast-food” experience. The chain uses high-quality raw ingredients, classic cooking methods, and a distinctive interior design—features that are more frequently found in the world of fine dining.
Chipotle’s focus has always been on using the kinds of higher-quality ingredients and cooking techniques used in high-end restaurants to make great food accessible at reasonable prices, so they’re very much in line with CHCM’s mission.
The restaurant has a history of preparing a few things, but preparing them really well. You can taste this for yourself when a team representing our local Chipotle (3113 14th Street, NW) incorporates local, seasonal ingredients from our farmers at the CHCM this Saturday: a fresh tomato salsa.
“We believe that fresh is not enough, anymore. Now we want to know where all of our ingredients come from, so that we can be sure they are as flavorful as possible while understanding the environmental and societal impact of our business. We call this idea Food With Integrity, and it guides how we run our business.”
– Barry Gahagan, Chipotle
