THE LOOP — If Chipotle Mexican Grill's Sofritas promotion was a ploy to get customers inside Monday, it worked Downtown.
The Chipotle restaurant at 316 N. Michigan Ave. ran out of Sofritas, a tofu topping, by 12:22 p.m., patrons said.
Denver-based Chipotle is running a promotion Monday giving a free entree coupon to anyone who purchases a Sofritas dish. The Chipotle at 316 N. Michigan Ave. opened at 10:30 a.m. Monday.
According to some reports, Chipotle stores that have run out of Sofritas are now offering free entree coupons to customers who purchase any entree. A Chipotle spokesman simply said the chain "is working to resupply those restaurants as quickly as they can."
Described as an "organic tofu" on the Chipotle website, Sofritas is made from Hodo soy and braised with chili and poblano peppers, among other spices.
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Among those who missed out were Rachel Kaiser, 37, a Lakeview resident who notified other patrons in line that the store had run out of the spiced tofu.
"They always have a huge line [here]," Kaiser said. "Obviously it's Michigan Avenue. This would happen."
Another person left waiting in line was 23-year-old Terrence Nix of Lincoln Park. Nix said he eats at Chipotle three to four times a month, with Sofritas in his Chipotle protein rotation.
"I do like the vegetarian options," Nix said.
Lia Abramovich, 27, of River North said she only eats at Chipotle once "every few months," and likely would not have waited in line if not for the promise of a free Chipotle entree at the end.
"Lunch is expensive," she said.
Chipotle operates 25 restaurants in the city of Chicago, according to its website.
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