Chipotle Closes All Restaurants For Four Hours Monday
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Burritos, bowls and tacos were unavailable at Chipotle Monday, for four hours, changing lunch plans for Tiffany Weaver from Oakdale.
"It's just so good, it is just so tasty," said Weaver, standing outside the Chipotle in Bridgeville, "It's my dirty little secret, I love Chipotle."
All Chipotle restaurants in the United States were closed, including those in the Pittsburgh area, so employees could attend a company-wide staff meeting about food safety. This comes as nearly 500 customers were sickenend from the Mexican chain last year, after two E. coli outbreaks and a Norovirus.
Added Weaver, "I'm glad that they're being proactive and taking control of the situation. Hopefully they'll get it under control soon."
"For those of us that wanted lunch today, it's kind of a bummer," said Daniella Vucelich of Green Tree, "but I think that it's good that they're getting together like that."
The estimated 50,000 Chipotle employees heard from company executives including CEO Steve Ells. The plan going forward for Chipotle involves establishing strict guidelines for their suppliers, using high-resolution testing of ingredients in farm and central kitchens and preparing some items, like tomatoes, in central kitchens- to make sure they don't have any germs.
"I know there are lots of things about health issues, but as far as choices, I think it's a lot healthier than some of the other fast food places," said Aiko Bosbach, who says she frequents Chipotle restaurants with her children.
"I think it's good for us," commented You Qiu, speaking about the meeting for employees.
Chipotle apologized to their customers for being closed for the staff meeting. Several restaurants in the Pittsburgh area had signs posted on the doors, explaining why they were closed and offering customers a free burrito as a gesture of ruining their lunch plans.
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