If Chipotle Northpark Plaza in Irvine is your most frequented Chipotle location, then keep an eye out for a potential move. Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. has recently applied for a beer and wine license at 3911 Irvine Blvd., which is the building of a former Jack in the Box next to Hicks Canyon Park.
If you’ve been to the area, then you’ll know that there is already a Chipotle right next door at 3955 Irvine Blvd. Given that the existing location is part of the strip mall, it is likely a smaller walk-in only restaurant, versus the standalone versions that Chipotle has been developing in recent years.
Many brand new Chipotle locations have a modern design and are usually outfitted with a drive-up window, which the brand refers to as the “Chipotlane” window for pick-up orders. Contrary to a traditional drive-thru, there are no illuminated menu boards or speakerphones in a “Chipotlane.”
The idea is that customers will place a mobile order ahead of time and drive up to the window for the handoff. This not only minimizes time spent in the drive-up lane, but there will also be no need to build additional signage and it will reduce the queue of cars that form around the restaurant, which is ultimately the goal.
It would make sense Chipotle would want to move into the former Jack in the Box space, which is already built with a drive-thru lane and service window. For sure, it’d be a great upgrade for the restaurant which continues to be one of the country’s most popular quick-service dining options.
All that said, take this bit of news with a grain of salt. What Now Orange County has reached out to representatives of Chipotle for more information, so we will update if we hear more.
