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Chipotle Opens Its First Englewood Location

 Leon Walker gets served at Chipotle's new Englewood location Tuesday.
Leon Walker gets served at Chipotle's new Englewood location Tuesday.
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Wyn-Win Communications

ENGLEWOOD — Chipotle Mexican Grill opened its first location in Englewood Tuesday.

It's a part of the Englewood Square project, which includes Whole Foods and Starbucks.

The new restaurant at 806 W. 63rd St. welcomed visitors such as U.S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush (D-Chicago) and Ald. Toni Foulkes (16th). They were among the first to be served.

"Today is another grand day in Englewood," said DL3 managing partner Leon Walker. "The new retailer Chipotle Mexican Grill is another step in the right direction for greater shopping experiences and job opportunities for the Englewood community."

He said that he wants to see a ripple effect that attracts more businesses to the community.

Chipotle has hired 32 crew members from the community.

RELATED: ENGLEWOOD WHOLE FOODS: 'IT FEELS LIKE A BRAND NEW DAY'

In addition, those Chipotle employees can pay as little as $250 a year to attend college thanks to a new partnership with Guild Education. The employees have the opportunity to earn college credits and pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees. Chipotle already has a tuition reimbursement program, which offers up to $5,250 a year and an additional $5,815 in available federal grants for those who qualify.

Half of all sales from the restaurant's opening day will benefit Teamwork Englewood. The organization was formed in 2003 as part of the New Communities Program, sponsored by Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and the MacArthur Foundation. Its goal is to unite the organizations who serve Englewood residents, all working to build a stronger community.

“Chipotle is proud to be part of the Englewood Square development project,” said Matt Baer, Chicago-based marketing strategist for Chipotle.

“We believe in creating better access to better food options for everyone, and we’re glad the newest Englewood restaurant will make it easier for Englewood and South Side neighborhood residents to enjoy food prepared quickly using fresh, high-quality ingredients.”
 
The store will be open seven days a week from 10:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.

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