epictrek.com

   (((say it loud.)

_blogger archives*

_"GIMME MY YUMMY BURRITO!"
Which do you think is better, Chipotle or Qdoba, and why?

Name: April     Age: 19     From: Texas     Submitted: 4/28/08
FreeB!rds FTW!!!! :D


Name: Jessica     Age: 24     From: Texas     Submitted: 4/18/08
Chipotle is nothing compared to Qdoba. Every time I walk into Chipotle to eat, I walk out greatly disappointed and wondering why the heck I ate there. Because I live in Houston and have not found a Qdoba, I lean towards Freebirds. Chipotle is the last option.


Name: Mr. E     Age: 33     From: Colorado     Submitted: 4/3/08
There is nothing yummier than the habanera sauce at Qdoba thus making Qdoba by far the ultimate burrito lover's choice. You all can talk about McDonalds, Jeeps, Copycats and New York City, (are you frickin' kidding me?!), but a true burrito lover could careless about anything but snuggling up to one mighty fine and tasty burrito that hugs your tongue and kisses your taste buds. Get it together people. Oh dear sweet Qdoba, how I love thee. Your beautiful fleece tortilla, your scrumptious, juicy all white chicken pieces, your way better than chipotle lime kissed rice and your never ending affectionate bite from your spicy habanera sauce. OH HOW I LOVE THEE!!!!!


Name: Kimberly     Age: 21     From: Texas     Submitted: 3/29/08
Chipotle hands down! I shouldn't have to explain! It's amazing. :)


Name: Chris     Age: 26     From: Colorado     Submitted: 3/28/08
Sorry Jason, but I have to come to Chipotle's defense and clear up some facts. The first Chipotle opened in Denver, Colorado, right by DU in 1993. Ironically, after seeing great success, a copy-cat restaurant chain opened in Denver in 1995... you guessed it: Qdoba. Riding the coattails of Chipotle's unprecedented success, Qdoba sought to "get in on the action." With one look at Qdoba's food selection bar (after realizing that Chipotle was around for two years before the first Qdoba opened), it is plain to see the mimicry going on. As mentioned, Qdoba obviously sought to expand the menu a little by a few additions like three-cheese queso.

It is true that the Chipotle restaurant chain was bought out in the early 2000's by McDonald's Corporation, but there is a critical piece missing from your story. McDonald's has since sold their entire stake in Chipotle; full divestment was completed in October of 2006. Chipotle is now a publicly traded company—the shareholders are the owners. It is now on the New York Stock Exchange as Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG). Here's some more great info about Chipotle and it's history: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chipotle_Mexican_Grill

Your claims were partially true, but the full story reveals a wildly successful, publicly-traded and owned, environmentally-conscious and health-conscious restaurant who's business plan and product offering is obviously worth imitating. THAT'S where Qdoba comes in. And imitation, after all, is the highest form of flattery.

[[By the way, upon further research, Jack-In-The-Box Inc. does still own the Qdoba chain, so 'The Man' is only benefitting by your purchase at one of these two restaurants.]]
 

Name: Danika     Age: 34     From: Colorado     Submitted: 3/28/08
Now let's be real people! When it comes to flavor, Qdoba is far superior. How can you call a burrito that tastes of nothing but Cilantro good? Flavor usually entails more than one spice, herb, etc. So what I'm saying here is Chipotle equals yucky, overwhelming cilantro - and Qdoba equals yummy, delightful flavor! However, if I had to tell you my true favorite, it would be Freebirds - Look it up!


Name: Gwen     Age: ??     From: Tennessee     Submitted: 3/27/08
Jim - this one's for you. It always has been and always will be Qdoba for me. Yes, go ahead and tally up these numbers and tell me about them afterwards. :) It looks like I am in the minority as usual, but I am proud of it!!


Name: Jason     Age: 29     From: Colorado     Submitted: 3/27/08
So I decided I would enter into this debate. Although...I don't really think it a debate, merely a comparison. Chipotle vs. Qdoba. Both have wonderfully delicious menu options. In the case of the burrito I must say that Chipotle takes first. However, what if I'm in the mood for three cheese nachos, or maybe a fantastic chicken quazadilla?? Qdoba has my heart and I pick it when it comes to the variety. Ultimately...they both have their redeeming qualities.

All that aside I would like to point out a few things.

Chipotle is a McDonalds owned venture and if you like that whole "give to the man" sort of thing...than good for you. It might explain the whole incredible marketing and graphics thing as well. Who can mistake the Arches. They've had it down for a long time and they really know how to brain wash a person into submission.

Qdoba on the other hand started it's meager existence in the heart of Colorado making it a hometown hero so to speak. Unfortunately, they were acquired by wonderful Jack In The Box Inc. and it all ends up going to the man anyways so who cares.

So in conclusion eat a tasty burrito at Chipotle...Munch on some delectable nachos at Qdoba...and don't be afraid to take down a $1 double cheeseburger every now and then at McDonalds.

One more thing...I've seen some pretty bad arss Suzukis in my time.


Name: Tom     Age: 43     From: Colorado     Submitted: 3/27/08
When I first tried Chipotle, I didn't really care for it. Now, I love it! Their Beef Fajita Burrito with that fresh guacamole is hard to beat. I do have to give up the props for the Three Cheese Burrito at Qdoba though, it is really good too! Let's face it, when it comes to me and Mexican food, there aren't many dividing lines! Ha, Ha!


Name: Sharon     Age: 28     From: Colorado     Submitted: 3/27/08
OH CHIPOTLE FOR SURE!!
Tastes fresher! More flavor! Better store environment!


Name: D'Arcy     Age: 40     From: Colorado     Submitted: 3/27/08
Totally Qdoba. Chris has NO idea what he's talking about! :) And I will pick up the phone and tell him that!


Name: Greg     Age: 30     From: Colorado     Submitted: 3/27/08
I don't think I can extrapolate any better than Chris just did. I'd rather have quality over quantity. Chipotle is King over Qdoba!


Name: Chris     Age: 26     From: Colorado     Submitted: 3/27/08
Look. Let's just be honest here. To have a successful debate there needs to be two relatively equal, opposing points of view. In this case, we have no such thing. Chipotle is better. King of the burrito. Hands down. No more discussion needed. But in the interest of good dialogue, I'll humor you.

Qdoba is good food. That's not the issue. I mean, I'm not going to turn it down, and I'm going to enjoy it too. But comparing it to Chipotle is borderline blasphemy. It's not even in the same category. That's like trying to compare a Suzuki to a Jeep or a PC to a Mac. Okay, I know I've started down another path, so I'll stop there.

The reality is that there are multitudes of reasons that one might give in defense of the the "Chipotle is better" position. One could discuss the 100% all-natural ingredients that go into every burrito. Or the fact that Chipotle has stayed true to the staples of their menu in order to perfect their products instead of offering a larger selection of lower-quality choices. One could mention their stellar marketing, hilarious ad campaigns, awesomely-interactive website, informative nutritional breakdowns, original and recognizable restaurant atmospheres, innovative graphic design, creative and effective promotional deals, consistently exceptional and efficient customer service ... I'll stop there.

You see, this is really not a fair debate. It's like Ron Paul taking on Tyson in his prime. No contest.

Strip away all else, and the bottom line is this: Chipotle just tastes a whole heck of a lot better. End of story.

But if you're handing out Qdoba coupons, I take one. Just don't tell me it's better than Chipotle.

back to top

*These blogs are entertainment only. The views and opinions expressed therein are those of the individuals submitting entries and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of epictrek.com™, Epictrek Ministries™, or any of their respective partners or staff.
**epictrek.com™ and its staff reserve the right to reject any entry submitted at their own discretion, for any reason, at any time, and without explanation; especially when content is offensive, inappropriate, or deemed contrary to our mission statement and statement of beliefs.