Chipotle, a popular fast food chain among AU students, unveiled a new online order service available in the District that offers customers the chance to order their food online and pick it up at the restaurant.
The "Don't Stand in Line" program works like many other online ordering services. Customers create an account through Chipotle's Web site. Once set up, registered users are directed to the restaurant nearest them and can choose anytime the store is open for their pick-up time.
Like ordering at the counter, consumers can choose any menu item that Chipotle offers, customize what they want on their burrito or tacos and add any extra side orders and a drink.
The grab-and-go option, however, isn't as appealing as getting the whole Chipotle experience, some AU students said.
Joe Gallina, a senior in the School of Public Affairs, said he would not use the service.
"Something inside me just wants a fresh, warm burrito," he said.
Self-professed Chipotle lover Anna Valero, a senior in the School of Communication and SPA, said she was not enthused by the prospect of Internet ordering.
"Half the fun of Chipotle is being there, talking to the people behind the counter and hoping you get the person who gives a little extra meat or extra sour cream," she said.
Oscar Bravo, manager of the Tenleytown Chipotle, said there have not been any problems with the system so far.
However, some DSL users at Howard University have had trouble with the system, according to The Hilltop, Howard University's student newspaper.
While the service is meant to circumvent lines in the restaurant, The Hilltop article noted student complaints that orders were not accurate when picked up and orders were not being received.
Other students wondered why Chipotle won't deliver their food to them, The Hilltop said.
Bravo attributed any problems that have arisen in other stores to the fact that the system is so new.
"We're trying to make it better - the best it can be," Bravo said. "People are still getting used to the system"
