Atl
 

There is a chipotle in terminal D in Atlanta.

So ... I've been to Chipotle twice in the past two months (the 1st time being my "first" time). Reason being I got the free burrito via text and then I got another coupon in the mail.

I wasn't avoiding them because of the health "scare", I'm just generally a tightwad who won't pay for fast food when I have food at home I can eat (Sausage Egg McMuffins being the exception).

I have to say pretty good. Good service, burritos were good (and as IceTrojan said, the "freeness" made it all the more delicious ;)).

My comment/semi-"complaint" would be though, these things are HUGE. I'm genuinely surprised they don't offer a smaller version. Yes, I could only eat half, but ...

Can I Safely Go Back to Chipotle?
 

My grandson introduced me to Chipotle and I really miss them, since the E coli business. What is the sense of their current safety issues? I haven't heard about any problems for quite some time now.

They are having "Chiptopia" where you can earn free entrees and more this summer. https://chipotle.com/chiptopia#

Essentially, they brought in outside experts to assess vulnerabilities in their supply chain, and also in the area of in-store issues (the Boston area outbreak was not e.coli, but was attributed to sick workers with an active virus).

Certain things like, for one example, where lettuce was cut and prepared, was completely changed to try to eliminate chances of contamination. Suppliers were scrutinized much more closely as well.

In the stores, local managers were mandated to be much more strict about not allowing staff with signs of colds and other illness to work - even if it meant closing a location early if substitutes could not be found.

I am fairly risk-averse, but I would go, especially now that they are introducing chorizo.

I stopped eating at Chipotle for 3-4 months after the E coli outbreak began but I haven't had any issues. They started making small changes (more visible cleaning, no more lemons sitting out at the drink counter, etc) which may just be for show but I haven't seen nearly as many dirty counters as I did before the health scare.

The one in IAD seems to be always crowded, both with travelers and employees. But I too have stayed away. In places like LA or anywhere near the Mexican border there are so many places that have vastly better burritos and use better quality meat.

I took a 3-4 month break too, but now I'm back. However, every one I've ever been to looks immaculate to me.

I got their awards card, but I'm not sure I'll be there once a week each month to get a free meal. If it was cumulative, it would be one thing, but to have to start over each month seems a bit much.

If you hit the highest tier each month, you earn free catering for 20 people.

Well, that's true, but you'd have to eat there four times a month for three months. I guess the best thing to do would be to share a card with someone if you want that prize. I wonder if, given their recent history, you could find 20 people who would come to your party. :)

The location near me (and a major university) is almost always packed. I didn't stop going because of the scare, and from what I could tell of the crowds there, not many others did either. 15 - 20 minute long lines are not uncommon, and I give up if looks like it will be over 30 minutes.

It requires eating there twelve times/month for three months. Only one purchase/day counts, so you would need to coordinate if you shared.

Not four ... 11 times per month for three months.

I like Chipotle, and the e.coli thing never scared me away, but there is no way I'd eat there 11 times in one month. Mrs. Swede and I usually get it 2-3 times per month.

Yes, the might be a bit much. :)

Last night I saw a sorority had set up 3 cards with a calendar and different colored markers to indicate when someone used each card. They plan to maxout at least one of the cards and have a party, when someone redeems an entrée they're supposed to put $5 in a box for party drinks.

29 free burritos for paying for 25 others is a pretty good discount, though the terms are unfriendly.