Thursday, July 22, 2010

Mom's Favorite Place To Eat Just Got Better!

Have you guys ever been to this place? Mom loves it so much that she could eat there every day, but of course she doesn't. I've never been there because Mom tells me it's not dog friendly. I'm not sure what that means but maybe it means they serve food that I don't like. Right! There's nothing I don't like so I think maybe Mom is lying to me. Maybe she just doesn't want to share her food with me!

For those of you that are familiar with Chipotle, you know that even though it's fast food, it's fast food with a conscience. But what exactly does that mean? Great question! Chipotle just launched a new marketing campaign Food With Integrity to educate consumers about where the food they eat at Chipotle comes from. And let me tell you, this new campaign is very cool. But first things first.

This is one of our local Chipotle restaurants and yes that's a wind turbine you see behind it. This restaurant in Gurnee, right outside of the Gurnee Mills shopping mall, is one of only two LEED certified Chipotle restaurants. But what does that mean? So many things! The wind turbine provides 5% of the store's electricity and while this might not sound like much, every little bit helps. 5% from wind power is 5% that doesn't come from fossil fuels. It all adds up!

There are high-efficiency air conditioning units and that's good news because it's sooooo hot here. Rain water is collected from the roof and used to irrigate the native landscape, just like Mom does with her rain barrel. The debris from the construction of the building was sorting and recycled so that it didn't end up in a landfill.

And the greening continues on the inside of the restaurant. High-efficiency plumbing fixtures save water while green housekeeping reduces the toxic chemicals used. High-efficiency appliances save energy and an energy management system monitors ventilation and turns off lights when it's sunny outside. How cool is that? From using recycled drywall and barn metal, to LED lighting, this restaurant shows just how committed Chipotle is to sustainability.


Mom always gets a vegetarian burrito when she goes to Chipotle and most of the time it looks just like this. Sometimes she'll add a little cheese and some hot sauce if she's feeling really crazy. And did I mention how much she loves this burrito? She loves it not only because it tastes good but also because of the Food With Integrity campaign. Mom was aware of Chipotle's commitment to sustainability but this new campaign put aside any doubts she had about eating there compared to eating at their competitor Qdoba. And this commitment is what separates them from all their competitors. So go "under the foil" to find out where their food grows and where their meats come from.

They source most of their food from right here in the good old U.S.A. Some of their food occasionally comes from Mexico, Peru, and Chile but they definitely have a leg up on most fast food chains. Does Burger King talk about where their food comes from? And don't get me started about McDonalds faux locally sourced campaign. Talk about greenwashing!

Their interactive site is so cool. You can see, by region and season, where all their food comes from. Here in the midwest, everything from corn to tomatoes to bell peppers to lettuce and more are grown locally in the summer which not only cuts down on energy resources but also supports local economies. They prefer purchasing from family farms and from farmers who farm responsibly and sustainably, but aren't certified organic. But what about Mom's favorite, the black bean? 40% of Chipotle's beans are certified organic.

Most of the meat they serve is from the U.S., too. They started purchasing naturally raised beef in 1999 and 60% of their meat is from naturally raised farms. Can any other fast food chain make this claim? 100% of the chicken they serve are raised naturally, without the use of antibiotics. And if you haven't see the movie Food, Inc. yet, please put it on your must see list. Chipotle and one of their pork farmers, Joel Salatin, are featured in the movie. They have been serving 100% naturally raised pork since 2001. Oh, and don't forget to watch the cute video at the bottom of the website. It's short, sweet, and to the point.

So head on over to the Chipotle website and go "under the foil" by pulling on the cord at the bottom of the page. And while you're there, click on the investor tab to learn how you can help provide nutritious cafeteria meals to school children simply by sending Chipotle your junk mail.

18 comments:

Brutus, Ellie, Pippa and Otto said...

Hey Stubby, Mom & Dad love Chipotle!! Thanks for letting us know about all the cool things they do :)

Pugs & Kisses,

Yoda & Brutus

THE PUGLET said...

Hey Stubbs~

That's really cool. Imgine if the whole entire world was like Chipotle? I wouldn't have to make videos anymore!

My human freaks out over Chipotle's roasted corn salsa. She doesn't like burritos for some reason though. Weirdo.

Our local Chipotle has outdoor eating so you should move here. Our people could go out to lunch, your mom could get her burrito, mine could be a corn-salsa-eating freak and you + me could just chill and look cute.

PS: Human says Chipotle in Boulder,CO has outdoor eating too. I've never been, but she used to live there I guess? We could meet there.

Two French Bulldogs said...

Wow Stubby we are filled with knowledge. Thank you...BOL
Benny & Lily

dw said...

I've never been to Chipotle. I know it used to be owned by McDonalds back in the day. It's nice to hear that they're doing good things now. I don't know why that place wouldn't be dog-friendly. Sheesh!

Sequoia & Petunia & Emma said...

We have ate at Qdoba and Joe's (same kinda of place) but now we think we will change to here! We never knew one chain could try to be so caring to the earth. Thanks Stubby and thanks to your Mom for eating there! Oh and we agree with the McD's new campaign running....we wonder about the truth behind it too.

S&P

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Tweedles -- that's me said...

Hi Stubby
I am not sure if we have one of those places to eat or not, but I can tell you one thing,,, all of a suddden mommy is craving tacos and burritos!
We thank you for sharing this with us, and next time were out- we will go look!
love
tweedles

Archie and Melissa said...

hi stubby!
your mom always has excellent taste!
what a great restaurant!
have a super weekend and stay cool!
xoxoxox
m & e

Stubby said...

Hi Yoda & Brutus! Have you guys ever had any of your parents' Chipotle? I'd hate to think it's just me that's missing out!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hey Puglet! You are so right! Chipotle should be the model for all restaurants.

I can't believe your human doesn't like burritos. What's wrong with her? Maybe that's how she stays so skinny. Mom has had that roasted corn salsa and she said it's like crack, whatever that means.

Our Chipotles have outdoor seating too but Mom tells me it's for humans only, no pugs.

Stubby xoxo

Pee-s: Dude, we should totally meet up at the Chipotle in Boulder. My friend Emmitt lives close to there and he makes the most awesome meatloaf!

Stubby said...

Hi Benny & Lily! Thanks for the compliment. It's hard work but someone's gotta do it, huh? It keeps me out of trouble and out of Mom's hair!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi dw! Maybe Mom will take you to Chipotle. You are right that it was owned by McDonalds but now it's own its own and doing very well.

Mom should buy a bunch of Chipotle stock and convince them to be dog friendly. They would definitely get even more business then.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Sequoia & Tuni! Please let me know how you like Chipotle. I swear I'm going to get there one of these days even if I have to drive myself. I love that kind of food and Mom knows it. Sheesh! What do I have to do to get some food? I'm STARVING over here!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Tweedles! I wonder if they have Chipotle by your house. If not, I will send you some, that is after I get some.

Mom is crazy for tacos and burritos and she always makes me so hungry with all her food talk. It's all talk and no action - very anti-pug like!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Melissa & Emmitt! Did you see my response to Puglet's comment? He suggested I meet him in Boulder and that's close to your house. We could have a party! Are you okay with us crashing at your place? I promise we won't make a mess!

Stubby xoxo

Those Elgin Pugs said...

Hello Michele!! 'dis here is Josie!! I's borrowing lap top at Campy SunFowers... hee hees

So likes how is Stubby?? I's totally wouldn't knows?? hee hees!!

I hears Mommy is missing yous and maybe road trip to IN met up in 'da falls?? Stubby and I's can sit in 'da back set..hee hees

We's can finds a Chipotle Places on way and 'da Daddy folk can sit in da trunks..SNORTS!!!

oOh...gotta goes... More "Water" is being served!!

xoxoxo,
Yous fav. Josie hee hees

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Dana Orsborn said...

Hi Stubby!

I have never been to Chipotle,
but that is really cool they are
doing this!

We hope you have a great week!

-Dana & Daisy