Chipotle Mexican Grill opened a new drive-thru restaurant, called ‘Chipotlanes,’ in Ellenton earlier this week. The restaurant has the standard indoor order line with dining room, but the drive-thru and curbside parking is what makes this new location special. It’s the first Chipotlanes in Manatee County and third in the Tampa Bay area. The other two restaurants are located in Zephyrhills and Odessa.
Initial reactions were mixed due to long wait times and out-of-stock menu items, such as steak and guacamole.
Another concept Chipotle is working on is called the Digital Kitchen, which has no dining room or in-door order line. They opened the first Digital Kitchen concept store back in November of 2020 in Highland Falls, NY. Guests must order in advance via chipotle.com, the Chipotle app, or third-party delivery partners for pickup and delivery only. Based off the Digital Kitchen reviews on Google, I’m glad our new Ellenton location still has the regular in-person order line.
Where: 6020 US-301 N, Ellenton, FL 34222
Phone: 941-803-4009
Hours: Daily from 10:45AM – 10PM
Website: https://locations.chipotle.com/fl/ellenton/6020-us-301-n
Have you been to a Chipotlanes? What are you thoughts on the new store and digital kitchen concept? Share your thoughts in the comments below.