Chipotle Mexican Grill — Restaurant in Knoxville

My recent experience at this Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurant was highly disappointing. From the moment my wife and I entered the restaurant, it was clear that cleanliness and customer service were not priorities at this location. Numerous tables were left dirty with food scraps and wrappers still on them, and the trash cans were visibly overflowing, creating an unpleasant and unsanitary environment for dining. The drink station was also poorly maintained with no ice, straws, or lids available - leaving customers without the basic necessities for their beverage. Additionally, forks were only available at the front counter.

The lack of cleanliness extended into the ordering area as well. Food and crumbs were scattered across the counter where orders were placed, and the register area was a mess with spilled contents from improperly closed bowls. This not only looked unprofessional but also gave the impression that hygiene and attention to detail were being ignored. Trash was also littered across the floor in several places - adding to the disarray.

In addition to the cleanliness issues, the staff’s behavior was far from acceptable. One employee was seen using her phone multiple times in full view of customers - which is highly unprofessional, especially when the restaurant was in such disarray. Furthermore, the interactions I witnessed between employees and customers were short, dismissive, and rude. Customer service seemed to be an afterthought, and there was a noticeable lack of courtesy or effort in addressing customer needs.

Finally, the state of the kitchen was alarming. All visible surfaces were covered in crumbs and food debris, giving the impression that food safety standards were being neglected. This lack of attention to detail in a food preparation area is concerning and raises questions about the overall hygiene practices of the restaurant. I witness one worker mix and prepare another container of white rice without using gloves.

This Chipotle location is in dire need of improvement in multiple areas. The cleanliness of the restaurant, the professionalism of the staff, and the overall atmosphere all need serious attention. If management does not address these issues promptly, it’s hard to imagine customers wanting to return. Service, atmosphere, and food quality should all be held to a much...

What can I say about this place other than it has taken a huge step backwards from standards. Our experience yesterday was mind blowing. First, let’s just say I don’t think anyone there is happy at their job and really doesn’t want to be there. Zero customer relations or service.. as of the past year or so every time I order at the counter the staff is very cold and stand-offish. It almost feels like I am a thorn in their side for being there.

Next let’s discuss the cleanliness of this location. Food and trash lying around the dining room every day. The drink station looks and feels so gross. The stainless steel under the coke machine is horrible and needs a desperate wipe down. I do not dare go into the restroom at all as I am scared of what I would see.

Next, how about the pathetic portions that we now receive despite the price of the bowls. Back in the day we would get two scoops of meat. We are lucky if we even get a full scoop now. This location struggles with cooking rice as I have had under cooked/crunchy rice on multiple occasions. The veggies are over cooked and under seasoned as well.

The last straw and a prime example of the issues here is one of the team members finishing my wife’s bowl was struggling putting sour cream into the container. It got all over his hands and instead of simply wiping it off he flung is hands and flicked the sour cream all down the back of the kitchen and onto the floor and coolers. Now to some it might not seem to be that bad. But it really illustrates that lack of care, personal attention to details, and lack of leadership.

Last and the biggest issue was that we were able to get a show with our lunch. A couple of the team members started to argue right on the line in front of a full restaurant and guest trying to finish their orders. This gentleman who was the aggressor, was pulled from the line and I was still able to hear him yell to what I assume was some type of manager. Such a joke of a hospitality it pins me to say it as I love chipotle. I’ve been going to them for years since the early 2000s in multiple states.

I will NOT be returning to the...

Let me start out by saying this. I am a 22 year old college student that is extremely non-confrontational, extremely easy to please, and very agreeable. I like to think that I am really kind and understanding in a lot of situations in my life.

With that being said, this Chipotle is by far the worst one I have ever been to. I told myself that I wouldn't write a review, because that would be too "karen-like" of me, but after my experience the last several times I have been there I literally have to stop going. For some reason, employees here have little to no social skills, treat all customers as annoyances and burdens, and sometimes will literally just stare at you when you ask them questions.

I'm not asking for a lot here guys, I don't talk a lot when I order. But there is one particular employee that I cannot stand. This person will audibly joke about the portion sizes being small to the customer, and then proceed to give you a portion size that is below even the standard that most other Chipotles give. I'm not primarily here to complain about portions, because a lot of the time they are pretty decent. But this one pink-haired employee treats every scoop as if it came directly from their paycheck. I am still extremely nice to this person and give them respect, but they have gotta get it together.

WIth that being said, this location in general has an employee attitude problem like crazy. I cannot overstate how many times I have walked in and interrupted their conversation and they just stare at me like I shouted like a maniac. I am extremely nice to these people too, don't think I'm some disrespectful boomer.

Look guys, I get it. I'm sure the average Chipotle customer can be upset a lot and probably disrespectful to an extent. But that does not give these employees the right to be straight up rude, condescending and pay 0 attention to portion size. I just ask that they use the same standard everyone else uses.

Based on other reviews, and other people I talk to, this is regarded as the worst Chipotle location in Knox. Y'all have gotta get...