A name is hardly unfamiliar to anyone searching for a fast, appetizing and sustainable Mexican-inspired dish. In addition to its signature burritos and bowls, fresh ingredients and a farm-to-table ethos mark Chipotle as something unique in the fast-casual dining industry. Celebrating, and taunting, its most loyal fans, Chipotle even came up with the Chipotle IQ Test – an online quiz that lets you test your knowledge for some rewards. Here are ten fun facts you can learn from Chipotle IQ Test, be a die-hard fan or just curious of this popular restaurant.
1. Chipotle’s Origins: Humble Beginnings in Denver
One of the questions of the Chipotle IQ test reveals shocking origins of Chipotle. Chipotle began in 1993 when a classically trained chef named Steve Ells opened the first Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurant in a small storefront in Denver, Colorado. His dream was as simple as serving quality fast-casual Mexican food. He didn’t know it, but this little venture would turn into a phenomenon for the brand that we are familiar with today.
2. The Meaning Behind the Name “Chipotle IQ Test”
The most often mentioned theme of the Chipotle IQ Test involves the name. “Chipotle” comes from the Nahuatl word “chilpoctli,” meaning “smoked chili.” It relates to some of the restaurant names and the smoked and dried jalapeños that appear in many Mexican dishes. These are key components in Chipotle’s flavor profiles, presenting a smoky spice that is recognizable and different from other dishes.
3. Chipotle’s “Food with Integrity” Mission
Chipotle sources ingredients responsibly, and the “Food with Integrity” mission is about high standards for animal welfare, sustainable agriculture, and ethical sourcing. Chipotle uses organic produce and meats free from antibiotics and hormones whenever possible. This mission has made Chipotle a pioneer in the fast-casual sector, concentrating on quality and ethics in food production.
4. The Guacamole Craze: Why It’s Extra
Another fun fact the Chipotle IQ Test makes you understand is the reason behind the additional cost to their guacamole. Guacamole at Chipotle is made fresh every day using only premium Hass avocados mashed by hand and incorporated with lime juice, cilantro, and other spices. Avocados are a bit pricey, mostly when sourced responsibly, so Chipotle adds a small surcharge for guac, and now that’s an internet meme.
5. Chipotle’s Secret Menu
Not many fanatics know this, but Chipotle has a “secret menu”-just a few not-officially-listed items that you can ask for if you know just how to customize. It includes the Quesarito-a burrito wrapped in a quesadilla-and Nachos-the latter with chips instead of the tortillas. Though not advertised officially, employees are usually familiar with these hacks, which you could order for a fun twist on traditional items.
6. Chipotle Was Once Owned by McDonald’s
Few can imagine that Chipotle was at one time a subsidiary of McDonald’s. In 1998, McDonald’s invested heavily into Chipotle, turning a local chain into a national brand. In 2006, McDonald’s finally had it, and sold off their stake, thus permitting Chipotle to enjoy independence once more. It really only created a stronger focus on quality and transparency, which ultimately helped define its unique identity and deepened the lessons learned by Chipotle in scaling a business.
7. Why There Are No Freezers or Microwaves
Unlike most other fast-food franchises, Chipotle is proud of all of its items being freshly made in the house daily. The Chipotle IQ Test emphasizes this aspect by pointing out that no freezers and microwaves exist in a Chipotle kitchen. Ingredients come in fresh, and dishes are prepared in-house daily to ensure optimal taste and quality. This aspect of freshness and hand-prepared ingredients is one of the reasons why Chipotle food tastes so uniquely different.
8. The Story Behind Chipotle’s Signature Adobo Marinade
Chipotle’s menu feature is its adobo marinade, a spice and chipotle pepper concoction that smokily and warmly infuses the chicken and the steak. The exact recipe remains a carefully guarded secret of the company and is unique in its blend of spices along with the smoky peppers. In fact, it’s one of the things that make Chipotle different from so many other fast-casual restaurants: The unmistakable taste of the marinade.
9. Chipotle’s Sustainability Efforts
By using compostable bowls, sustainability is one of the questions raised for the company in the Chipotle IQ Test. Apart from using compostable bowls, sustainability has been on the front line of what has been advocated over the years by Chipotle. For example, long-term objectives include emission of greenhouse gas and the utilization of renewable sources of energy. Chipotle even ensures that it incorporates all recyclable and compostable materials to discourage as much waste as possible and promote environmental stewardship.
10. Why Chipotle’s Menu Stays Simple
You may have noticed that Chipotle doesn’t have many items on its menu compared to most chains. That’s by design. A limited menu allows Chipotle to focus on quality and consistency while also reducing food waste. Fans of Chipotle may be asked about Chipotle’s ‘lean and mean’ approach, which was able to keep things simple and ensure fresh, high-quality meals every day.
FAQs about Chipotle and the Chipotle IQ Test
1. What is the Chipotle IQ Test?
The Chipotle IQ Test is a fun quiz created by Chipotle to challenge fans on their knowledge of the brand’s history, mission, and ingredients. The test also occasionally offers rewards, such as free food items or discounts, to participants who score well.
2. Why does Chipotle charge extra for guacamole?
Chipotle charges extra for guacamole because it’s made fresh daily with high-quality Hass avocados. Avocados are an expensive ingredient, especially when sustainably sourced, which justifies the additional charge.
3. Does Chipotle offer any secret menu items?
Yes, Chipotle has unofficial “secret menu” items that fans can order, such as the Quesarito or Nachos. These items aren’t on the regular menu but can be customized by staff upon request.
4. Is Chipotle still owned by McDonald’s?
No, Chipotle is not owned by McDonald’s. McDonald’s invested in Chipotle in the late 1990s, but by 2006, it sold its stake, allowing Chipotle to operate independently.
5. Why doesn’t Chipotle use freezers or microwaves?
Chipotle’s commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients means that all items are prepared daily. By avoiding freezers and microwaves, Chipotle maintains a higher standard of freshness that sets it apart from other fast-food options.
6. How does Chipotle source its ingredients?
Chipotle adheres to a “Food with Integrity” policy, sourcing ingredients that are sustainably grown, organic when possible, and ethically produced. This includes using meats from animals raised without antibiotics or hormones.
7. Can you get rewards from taking the Chipotle IQ Test?
Yes, Chipotle often offers rewards like free food items or special deals for those who score well on the Chipotle IQ Test, though the availability of rewards may vary.
8. What makes Chipotle’s adobo marinade unique?
Chipotle’s adobo marinade is made from a secret blend of spices and chipotle peppers, which give it a signature smoky, spicy flavor. This marinade is what makes Chipotle’s chicken and steak distinct.
9. Why does Chipotle keep its menu so limited?
Chipotle maintains a streamlined menu to focus on quality and efficiency, helping ensure fresh ingredients and reducing waste. This minimalist approach supports their commitment to quality over variety.
10. What sustainability efforts does Chipotle pursue?
Chipotle is dedicated to sustainability through eco-friendly packaging, waste reduction, and sourcing ingredients responsibly. The company has long-term goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing renewable energy use.
Chipotle’s IQ Test is more than just a quiz; it’s a gateway to learn more about a brand that has stayed true to its roots while innovating the way we think about fast food. Whether you’re taking the test for rewards or for fun, these 10 facts offer a closer look at what makes Chipotle stand out.