Chipotle is coming to South Lakes Village Shopping Center and will take over the space previously occupied by Diner Zen, which closed down last spring.
There is no definite date for when the new Chipotle will open. The process may take months as the restaurant must gain special permission from Fairfax County and Reston to make certain changes.
“If everything goes as planned, we may be looking at the end of this year,” said Cara Egbert, a Chipotle customer service representative. “However, with the nature of the business, this could be pushed up or back into 2013.”
Chipotle has embarked on a journey to provide better tasting and higher quality food, which customers will say has apparently paid off.
“I like that some of the food is organic and the meat is better quality,” said senior Allison McCluskey. “In general it’s better than a lot of fast food.”
The healthier food led to a rise in popularity, particularly among high school students.
“I don’t think Chipotle is like other food,” said senior Robert Mosely. “I’ve seen the signs that say its animal friendly and that they don’t use preservatives.”
Some worry that since such a popular restaurant will be in close proximity, increased skipping during lunches will occur.
“I think more people will skip because Chipotle has a lot better food than what the other restaurants offer,” said Mosely. “I still wouldn’t skip, but it would definitely be an extra temptation.”
“Since Chipotle’s such a popular place, people would be more likely to skip because they could still get back in time for class,” said junior Jonny Nguyen.
Freshman Molly McGrath disagrees.
“There are already a bunch of other food places in the South Lakes Shopping Center,” said McGrath. “I don’t think one more will make a difference.”
The security staff is also not concerned about the potential increase in skipping.
“I don’t think a burrito bowl is going to make someone risk getting suspended,” said security specialist Brian Elliott. “Kids who already try to get away with skipping will be the ones who may continue. It’s not Chipotle that will make these kids want to leave for lunch.”
Assistant principal Chad Lehman hopes that the opening of the Chipotle restaurant will not cause an increase in skipping, but he has a plan in case things get out of hand.
“If it did become a problem, then we would have to keep an eye on the shopping center by having Mr. Elliott or Officer Bacon ride over there,” said Lehman. “We would possibly talk to the management at Chipotle to let us know if students are coming in during the school day. We don’t have open campuses in Fairfax County, so students are required to stay in school grounds unless they have appropriate permission.”
Even with the possible risk of increased skipping, many view the new Chipotle as a valuable addition.
“It’s going to be great because it’s going to be conveniently located,” said sophomore Patrick Vivanco. “The food is really tasty and has a lot of variation. Plus, the service is great.”