Chipotle has always been a go-to spot for those looking for a fast, customizable meal that's also on the healthier side. I've had my fair share of visits, and while the experience is generally positive, there are a few things that I think need some attention to elevate the overall experience.
The Experience:
First off, the lines can get long during lunchtime, especially around the midday rush. I try to avoid the rush and only come at times when they are not as busy, so I'm usually in and out.
The Food:
When it comes to the food, I find Chipotle to be a solid option for anyone trying to eat healthily without compromising on flavor. My usual go-to is the burrito bowl with double chicken. The portions are generous, enough for a hearty meal, and I usually end up with leftovers for later—usually a second meal. The overall meal is a decent-sized serving, but the protein portions can feel a little skimpy sometimes. I’ve noticed that they seem to under-portion the protein, making you feel like you’re not getting your money’s worth unless you opt for the double protein. I’ve had bowls that didn’t seem to have nearly enough meat, especially when compared to the regular portion. This was made even clearer after a frustrating online ordering experience.
The Online Ordering Experience:
Now, here's where things took a turn. I decided to try online ordering for pickup once, which ended up being a huge letdown. I ordered the chicken burrito bowl with double protein, paid for it, drove to pick it up, and got home excited to eat in front of the TV. But when I opened the bowl, I found barely any meat. Seriously, it was barely enough to cover a single forkful. It was like they ran out of chicken & they just sprinkled a few bits of chicken throughout to make it look like they gave me double protein, but it was far from it. Naturally, I was heated.
I called the restaurant and spoke with the manager, who was very understanding. She apologized and asked me to bring the bowl back so they could fix it. I didn’t want to make another trip, but I decided to go back anyway since I wanted to get what I paid for. Fortunately, the team member who helped me at the restaurant quickly corrected the issue and gave me the double portion I had paid for.
Since that incident, I’ve avoided online orders here entirely and only order in person, where the food seems to be assembled much more reliably.
The Service:
For the most part, in-person service has been smooth. I’ve never had an issue with ordering at the counter. However, there was one small issue with the cash register during a recent visit. I made a purchase that totaled $14.95, I gave the cashier $15, and was given my receipt and food. But when I checked my receipt later at home, I noticed that I hadn't gotten my 5-cent change. While it’s a minor amount, I do think it’s the principle of the thing. I don’t care if it’s a penny or a nickel—cashiers should always give you your change. It was a small oversight, but it’s a detail that matters.
My Final Thoughts:
Chipotle is an excellent choice for a quick, healthy meal. The food is tasty, and you get a pretty good value for the price. I think with a few adjustments, such as more consistency in protein portions (and maybe a little more attention to small details like giving back change) and keeping the lobby clean, this place could easily hit 5 stars.
Overall, it’s a reliable and convenient option for when you're craving something fresh and healthy, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a quick bite. Just stick to ordering in person if you want to avoid any hiccups with...
Read moreI wanted to share my experience. I first would like to say I will be posting this on YELP, Google, Facebook, and other media outlets as I was ONCE AGAIN let down by my Hampton Chipotle. I ordered my food online thinking I was doing the right thing because this location is always busy. Oh No! I'm one of the Managers at a new store in the same shopping center. I again ordered online and then called 20 minutes till pick up time (2:15) to check my order before I left to pick it up. I go into the store and of course they are busy, but when I was finally able to get my prepaid food, I asked for dressing on the side, to be told we are out. Now it’s been 2 days that this location has said they’ve been out of dressing. I was so upset, as I would NOT have ordered the food if I knew there was no dressing. I returned with the food back to my job, as I purchased my direct President lunch as well. When we open our food mine had NO CORN, NO extra sour cream, NO cheese and my President had the same issues, but also he had a speck of Queso drizzled on his food. I understand ordering online, you’re not able to tell someone more or less, but to be not told where out of corn, and then be given the bare minimum that you asked for is not right. How do I know it is not right, my partner works for your other location so I am familiar with how the food should be made? I know Nych a former Manager at the Patrick Henry location before she quit and to leave names out so it is not to personal I know at least 3 employees from each Hampton roads location and I say that to say I can prove I am a loyal customer, but upset. I’ve used you for many events in the past which is why I know so many employees including my partner is employed with Chipotle, but Due to this I cannot use you for my company catering order we had planned on next month. Instead, I will have to use Moe’s or even Mission as we did for our opening because on today not only did I order for myself and President, but while in line I noticed 4 of my other employees who returned back to work upset about the lack or absents of items, i.e. Corn, dressing, salsa. While in the store I noticed a Hispanic group who shared they had been waiting on their Catering order for over an hour and a few of their orders where incorrectly made. How can I trust that this location will not make the same mistake when we are ready to have our next event? I could use a different location, but then I am going out of my way because I don’t feel the employees are competent to have the order correct. I am taking the risk even eating Chipotle still knowing at another location your employee was visibly sick. I know each employee signs a paper before working stating they are in good health, but this one was clearly sick did prep that morning and the food was still served. CALL my Bluff I have dates and you guys have cameras. I am not trying to be tough or difficult, but please help Hampton as they are the highest ranking store in the region and they need restructure. I cannot point the finger at the employees alone, and not even the RM or DM. The top has to create a better environment for everyone. Again I told my story, ranted a little, but again it was to just show how I know about your company and still support you, but I feel I had no support. If I ordered online and provided my number, how hard is it to call me and say we are out of this or that. Someone could have made a note so it was discussed at pickup, but I guess because it was to go nobody...
Read moreTook a friend ro lunch before her work shift. She choose Chipotle for convenience. She plachee order, bowl with half chicken and half barbacoa and other selected fixings. I ordered a bowl with half steak and Pastor Chicken. The server placed the chicken over the rice, it was an adequate amount to be considered half. When she placed the steak on the spoon, it barely covered the tip of the spoon. I brought it to her attention and nicely asked if she could add a little more.
She replied, my friends looked like it had more because she , the server spread it out. I indicated, I wasn't referencing that, there wee approximately 6 pieces of steak if that on the spoon and ot wasn't half.
I explained I understood half, and that wasn't it. She said absolutely nothing, and just stared at me. I even recommended she could put extra chicken if she want, just make it fair.
She stared at me. At this time, LuLu the manager comes over and with a very nasty tone and disposition states, that's half and that's all you'll get. Now she's looking at the bowl for the first time after it's completely covered with the fixings. I tried to reason with her to no avail. She maintained her rude, nasty, lack of professionalism, and non customer service tactics. She stated, either way, half and half, you have to pay. I informed her paying was never my issue, however, I want what I'm paying for to be justifiable. When I told hee if half and half was an issue, then just give me a single meat bowl, since that seemed to be what they were comfortable with measuring for customers. She finally at that point, said, I can give you a little extra chicken in a cup. That could have been done in the beginning prior to me asking for a new bowl. No understanding, no apologies, no negotiations, nasty, mattof fact, the customer is right rules don't apply here. Not treating ALL CUSTOMERS with respect, establishing relationships and repeat customers is not a priority. Creating a reputation of good business best practices is not relevant to this establishment.
A few pieces of extra meat, would not have closed the doors to this location, but Manager LuLu attitude and POOR customer skills definitely WILL. I WON'T BE BACK TO THIS HAMPTON LOCATION. And will value the relationships I have with many people in this City to share my unacceptable experience with. I can show you better than just talking about it.
You deserve to be treated better, especially if you're investing in this...
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