Burritos soar over golden arches

In the past few years, Chipotle has surged ahead in popularity of its previous owner, McDonalds. Chipotle’s revenue has risen 11 percent from $2.73 billion to $3.04 billion this year, while McDonald’s profits dropped 30 percent, according to the Huffington Post. This increase in profits has stemmed from people’s belief that they are eating healthier, non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) products and can feel good about what they’re eating, according to the Madame Noire website.

“I love the home-grown aspect of Chipotle,” Katie Kober ’15 said. “I broke off from McDonalds because of the quality of their products and their integrity.”

Kober has had an obsession with Chipotle since she was 6 years old, growing up with the chain in Akron, Ohio. Her ideal date is being blindfolded and brought to Chipotle.

“I even want my wedding catered by Chipotle,” Kober said. “Chipotle can pretty much fix everything.”

Bridgett Turro ’15 shares Kober’s passion for Chipotle and would do almost anything for a Chipotle burrito.

“One time I wrapped myself completely in tinfoil to get a free Chipotle burrito and had to waddle down the line,” Turro said. “No wonder burritos don’t go anywhere.”

Despite Chipotle’s overwhelming popularity, there are still a few who are not its biggest fan.

“I feel like Chipotle is nothing special,” Madeline Schaeffer ’16. “It’s just non-authentic Mexican food.”

When given the option, Schaeffer would choose McDonalds over Chipotle. Chipotle has higher quality ingredients, but they still find a way to make her not feel well after she eats it, Schaeffer said.

“I think the hype is too high for what it is, Americanized Mexican food,” Schaeffer said.

The burrito bowl has been a large contributor to this teen obsession. Chipotle now sells more burrito bowls than burritos and has started a food bowl trend at other restaurants. The option of gluten free and protein over carbs has been appealing to many customers, leading to their success.

“I feel sick after eating McDonalds,” Turro said. “But Chipotle is fresh and clean and the colors are like a Mexican fiesta.”

When talking about convenience, the wait time is relatively the same even though McDonalds has a drive-thru. In terms of price, Chipotle is far more expensive, with burritos often exceeding $10 when guacamole is added with a meat option, whereas $5 can buy you cheeseburger and fries at McDonalds with money left over. However, it seems that Chipotle’s organic ingredients from local farmers, and non-GMO grown options are more important to Americans than the price. “You can’t put a price on love,” Turro said.