Letter: Chipotle would save Pendleton

Published 3:00 am Saturday, January 28, 2023

An article reproduced in the Jan. 14-15 edition of the East Oregonian stated a Chipotle would be opening this year in College Place, Washington. Chipotle tends to be profitable regardless of location because of its brand recognition and tremendous food.

Pendleton would be wise to acknowledge College Place as the geographically closest model for courting a Chipotle. Pendleton needs a Chipotle. This issue should be Flamenco dancing in the minds of the Pendleton City Council, the townspeople and anyone dreaming of one day operating a market-leading Mexican-style fast-casual dining chain restaurant.

Pendleton is primarily known for its Round-Up. I love our rodeo as much as anyone, but it only lasts one week out of 52. Pendleton needs a year-round identity. Chipotle can carry a town with its well-portioned bowls, tacos and Mission burritos made to order in front of the customer. The Round-Up can provide for us one week a year; a Chipotle could put us on its back the other 51 weeks.

Pendleton needs a Chipotle. Our great town deserves a Chipotle. We should care about our fast-casual dining experiences. I met my wife at Chipotle. Chipotle catered our wedding. A Chipotle could literally save Pendleton from collapsing on itself. That’s just science.

(If not a Chipotle, I would take a Qdoba. Those are good, too.)

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Kevin O’Rourke

Pendleton

Marketplace