By Chloe Brooks and Kate Kunkel
Chipotle Mexican Grill will officially open its new location at CityScape Dec. 6, in close proximity to the Downtown campus, according to officials from Chipotle and the location’s contracting company.
The restaurant’s opening has been delayed several times due to construction, said Ben Shearer, project manager for DG Fenn Construction.
“I know (Chipotle) really wanted to be open by Thanksgiving, but that’s just not going to happen,” Shearer said, adding that they would be done with construction by Nov. 21.
The grand opening, which Shearer said is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 6, is part of CityScape’s continued expansion. Chipotle’s West Coast Construction Manager Adolph Garcia confirmed the December opening date.
David Roderique, president of the Downtown Phoenix Parnership, said with the planned opening date getting closer, Downtown students “can hardly wait for it to open.”
“I think we are seeing a great amount of outreach by ASU students in the downtown community because they are getting more familiar with what’s all out there,” Roderique said. “Obviously, a lot of businesses are taking advantage of the student market here, and Chipotle will certainly do really well.”
Elena Fernandez, assistant property manager for RED Development, the company that leases and manages CityScape, said she sees “growing excitement” for Chipotle’s opening.
“I think it will be great because it will be the only one close (to downtown students), and there will be an option that’s open late and that’s quick and affordable,” Fernandez added. “Its amazing how many college students have asked me about (Chipotle’s opening), and also how many people know about it already.”
According to Fernandez, RED Development has been working with Chipotle on establishing promotions for the grand opening.
“Chipotle knows their audience, and they want to know the best way they can serve the ASU community,” she said.
Other newly opened eateries in CityScape, such as Yogurtini, have promoted their businesses by offering specials and discounts to eager ASU students and downtown residents.
“There’s no question that some businesses are doing extremely well,” Roderique said. “Some are doing OK, but not fabulous. I think that as the number increases of these places opening, it will help create synergy, and other businesses will want to come downtown as well.”
Other new tenants will include Starbucks, Verizon and a few other restaurants that CityScape will introduce into its nearly filled retail space. Roderique said people really notice the new additions and “they have been saying there’s much more to do in the downtown area.”
“These (new additions) will continue to help CityScape get more students down there,” Roderique added. “If (CityScape) gets a lot of places students are interested in, it will work well for them.”
Emelia Owusu-Brimpong, an English literature sophomore, said Chipotle “will be a great college-friendly addition to downtown.”
“Chipotle is going to bring in a ton of students because they love the food and atmosphere,” she said. “Having one close by will make the campus feel more complete.”
Owusu-Brimpong also said she looks forward to Chipotle’s lower prices for the college-student budget.
“I’m hoping they have good offers and discounts for students,” she said. “It’s hard to find places downtown that are appetizing and affordable.”
Contact the reporters at chloe.brooks@asu.edu and katie.kunkel@asu.edu
