CHIPOTLE request: (Tuscaloosa: store, eat, best)

[clamoore]

My opinion on Copeland's is not an informed one. I found the place to be quite nice for the first 18 months or so. The place definitely went down hill after. The facilities looked shoddy after a while. I heard that the management did not pay the rent, but that is pure rumor and gossip. My real opinion is that Tim's Cajun Kitchen, another homegrown cafe, sent 'em packin! As they say, if you can't stand the heat, don't order the gumbo!

[NicoleC]

Jenn, Chipotle is nothing like Baja Fresh. At Chipotle, you pick your shape (bowl, burrito, crunchy or soft tacos), pick your meat/beans/rice/lack thereof and toppings (veggies, cheeses, salsa, etc.) Sort of a cross between a Mexican diner and Subway. They also serve beer and margaritas.

Where Chipotle succeeds is in simplicity and the high quality and prefect preparation of the meat and beans. Baja Fresh is more salad-y and entrees and is for more Americanized. Both good, but very different.

[Keeper]

Copelands went out of business in a lot of areas, so it wasn't just the location.

[Reactionary]

IIRC Copeland's corporate had tax troubles.

FCEddie - Bandito Burrito is on Governor's Drive at Triana plus downtown Madison. The owner, Oscar, is a big supporter of local sports (local anything really), especially the Dixie (roller) Derby Girls.

Back when I lived in Boston, the closest Taco Bell was in New Hampshire; yes, I made the trip a few times...

[Southlander]

Originally Posted by clamoore

Why won't they open here? I tell ya why! They are afraid of Bandito Burrito Company, that's why! Why move into the market when they will move down the road, quickly, after being slaughtered by the Juan Big Dinner.

Example: Backyard Burger comes to town full of swagger. A year or two later, they leave in the quiet of the night, like the Baltimore Colts in a Mayflower moving van, after getting their hat handed to them by Soul Burger!

Lesson to big, bad out of town eateries: When you come to the Rocket City, you better bring your A game! Huntsvegas diners play hard and they play for keeps!

Clamoore, you are FUNNY!

[33458]

Originally Posted by clamoore

Why won't they open here? I tell ya why! They are afraid of Bandito Burrito Company, that's why! Why move into the market when they will move down the road, quickly, after being slaughtered by the Juan Big Dinner.

Example: Backyard Burger comes to town full of swagger. A year or two later, they leave in the quiet of the night, like the Baltimore Colts in a Mayflower moving van, after getting their hat handed to them by Soul Burger!

Lesson to big, bad out of town eateries: When you come to the Rocket City, you better bring your A game! Huntsvegas diners play hard and they play for keeps!

OK, OK - I'm a Bandito fan myself, especially since it's kinda weird and I'm kinda weird...but again - not the same thing. The taste is different.
And BLACK BEANS...oh, how I miss black beans and guacamole. And the hottest sauce is perfect over chicken.

Though Bandito - they've got a very tasty sauce. Good rice, similar to a shack called Juanita's back in FL where I was the only Gringo in the place... And the refried beans are the best I've ever had...

Now I'm hungry.

[33458]

Originally Posted by FCEddie

Tell me more about this Bandito Burrito Company

What happened to Copeland's? That spot of the Parkway seems like a bad location to me, but its been pretty successful in most places.

Bandito GOOD, try it.

VERY casual, order at the counter, get your own drinks, food comes out when it's ready. Very friendly staff.

[fun2b]

I would love for Chipotle's to come to Huntsville, AL....... simple because they use organic local vegetables & free-range meats (antibiotic-free 2) etc....... yum.

[Huntsvegas29]

We do have a Salsarita's which is really similar to Chipolte on the Parkway by the mall.

I love it there and think that it's the closest thing we have to a Chipolte in town...It's never very busy whenever I'm in there though.

we have the Moes on Airport too that is kind of the same setup as Chipolte but not near as good as either salsarita's and chipolte

[AuburnAL]

What's Soul Burger?

I'd like a Chipolte so I could try it. I've heard only good things about it except for South Park. It doesn't really do that does it? Also an In and Out, but they'd have to buy a bunch of farms in the eastern US before they opened any I guess.