Heads-Up, Groton: Chipotle Is Coming, Chipotle Is Coming!

GROTON, CT—What we first noticed was the Tweet by Spanish language site New London Noticias, which makes sense since Chipotle after all is a Mexican-style eatery: "Una tienda de Chipotle está pautada abrir para el verano del 2020 en Groton!"

Sí, Chipotle appears to be set to arrive in the spring of 2020. Or maybe summer. According to a Day report, developer Henry Resnikoff and a Maryland-based partner are set to close on the purchase of the property at 258 Route 12 and a Chipotle will open there. Read more about the project details here.

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., aka Chipotle, is a US chain of quick and casual Mexican restaurants. It's also found in Canada, the UK, Germany, and France. (Made it across the pond but not across the Thames. Hmm.)

In the meantime, there's a bit of buzz about a Chipotle coming to the area. One person on Twitter said she'd thought of moving away from Groton because the closet Chipotle is about an hour drive away, considering traffic, though the location in Branford may be the closest. The Branford Chipotle opened in the fall of 2017.

Chipotle says it's "cultivating a better world," with ingredient sourcing to include fresh whole foods grown in healthy soil, buying pigs who were allowed to "roam free," partnering with farms, and, it says they "actually cook" in their kitchens.

"Every choice we make—about who we work with, what we serve, and what we stand for—affects the bigger picture: the health of the planet. Nutrient-rich soil reduces the need for pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, buying locally reduces vehicle emissions from transportation, and humane animal husbandry means diminished reliance on antibiotics. As we strive each day to be better, we keep in mind that everything is connected."

And, it tastes good. At least that's what aficionados say.

There's quite a bit of excitement about the pending arrival of Mission-style burritos.

Stay tuned.