College Station will soon be dishing out a new twist on burritos and tacos with a Chipotle Mexican Grill opening in September.
Karen Henry, spokeswoman for Chipotle, said she hopes that the fact College Station is a college town will help attract customers.
"We have done well in Boulder (Colo.) and Austin among other college towns, and feel confident we will have the same success in College Station," she said.
Although some students eagerly await the kickoff of a new restaurant, some are not quite as overjoyed.
"Freebirds (World Burrittos) is enough for this town," said senior biochemistry major Nick Mimms. "Something different would be better."
Freebirds currently has three locations in the Bryan-College Station area and its management welcomes the competition.
"We not only compete with Chipotle, but all other markets," said Alan Hixon, Freebirds' manager.
Hixon said there are similarities and differences between the two restaurants, and Freebirds plans to continue focusing on executing its line of business.
Some Texas A&M students welcome the arrival of the new restaurant and a new dining option.
"Chipotle will add a little more variety to the town and give Freebirds a good run for their money," said Michelle Byrne, a senior education major.
The new location will be at Texas Avenue South and University Drive East. Steve Ells, the owner of Chipotle started what he considers a new twist on Mexican food several years ago.
"Ells founded Chipotle in Denver in 1993"and dubbed the concept fresh mex.," Henry said.
The restaurant will be designed by Scott Shippey and built by Justin Farrier, both A&M graduates.
Henry said all of Chipotle's food is prepared while the customer watches.
"Chipotle is different from other burrito restaurants because of the quality of the food and the ingredients we use," she said. "Everything is fresh, no freezers and no microwaves."
The restaurant's grand opening, is slated to take place the second week in September.
