A Chipotle fan was left baffled when they noticed a significant price difference for the exact same order at two different locations, both just 15 minutes apart. The diner shared the receipts on social media, sparking a flurry of comments and speculation about the pricing inconsistency.
The Price Difference That Left Diners Confused
On June 10, the customer placed an order for a chicken bowl with extra chicken and guacamole at Chipotle’s location on 9335 N. Tyron Street, Charlotte, North Carolina. The total came to $16.24. Two days later, on June 12, the same order was made at another Chipotle location just 15 minutes away at 9821 Northlake Center Park. To the customer’s surprise, this second order cost $17.70—$1.46 more than the first.
The bewildered diner posted both receipts on Facebook, saying, “That’s crazy, I ain’t know anything about that.” The discrepancy in pricing left many scratching their heads, as the two orders were identical, from the same chain, and only a short distance apart.
Social Media Reactions and Theories
As expected, the post quickly went viral, with many social media users offering their theories. One user joked, “Classic corporate franchise,” pointing to how pricing can vary across locations due to franchise ownership. Another commenter suggested, “It is the location,” acknowledging that pricing differences could be a result of varying operational costs at different Chipotle branches.
A Hack for Bigger Portions
As Chipotle continues to face rising food costs, some savvy diners have found clever ways to get more value out of their orders. One popular hack circulating on social media involves altering the name when ordering through Chipotle’s app. If you want your bowl loaded with more food, try entering “LOAD this thing up” as your name when placing a drive-thru order. This trick reportedly results in a significantly larger portion of meat in your bowl.
The hack was demonstrated by a content creator, who shared a video showing their “fully loaded” Chipotle bowl, complete with an unusually large serving of meat. While it’s unclear if this is an official Chipotle policy, it has certainly gotten attention from customers looking to get more for their money.
Chipotle’s Expansion Plans
Despite ongoing challenges like inflation and rising food prices, Chipotle remains focused on growth. The company recently announced plans to open 345 new locations nationwide by 2026, with a focus on adding “Chiptolane” drive-thrus where customers can pick up mobile or online orders. At least 80% of the new locations will feature these drive-thrus, which are becoming increasingly popular among customers looking for convenience.
Chipotle’s CEO, Scott Boatwright, mentioned that the chain would also be expanding internationally, with plans to add around 15 to 20 new locations in Canada and another five in the Middle East. Boatwright expressed confidence that Chipotle would continue to see strong customer foot traffic, even amid economic uncertainties.
Managing Price Increases Amid Economic Pressures
Chipotle has worked to keep the prices of its popular menu items, such as the chicken burritos and burrito bowls, under $10 on average. However, like many other restaurant chains, Chipotle has faced rising costs due to inflation and supply chain disruptions. Despite these challenges, Boatwright is confident that Chipotle’s focus on quality, innovation, and customer experience will help it maintain its strong position in the market.
The price discrepancy at Chipotle, combined with the popular portion-size hack, has left many wondering about the impact of location and pricing policies at the chain. While Chipotle remains committed to expanding its footprint and providing value to customers, it’s clear that the increasing costs and varying prices between locations are a growing concern for consumers. As the company continues to navigate economic uncertainty, diners may need to stay vigilant when it comes to getting the best value at their local Chipotle.
