It has sparked debates. It has ended friendships. It has divided families. The question of which Mexican chain restaurant is superior, Chipotle or Qdoba, is one of the most controversial topics of today.
Mexican food once brought people together in fiesta. However, we have become a nation divided by our burrito’s stuffing. The battle between Chipotle connoisseurs and Qdoba lovers rages on with no end in sight.
Qdoba’s creamy queso or Chipotle’s signature guac?
'Potle or 'Doba: who does it better?
Round one: fresh Ingredients.
By fusing our love of food and our I-need-it-now attitude, fast food is truly the American dream. However, everyone who has fallen in love with a box of chicken nugs has felt the familiar heartbreak of learning about the miscellaneous fluff they stuff inside.
Then, Chipotle was born. It was fresh, free-range and sustainable. The buzz words of health make biting into your burrito even more magical. Chipotle’s Food With Integrity campaign is breaking the fast food stigma and beating out its competition. Though Qdoba goes the extra mile to ensure their products look and taste fresh, they do not prioritize sustainability in sourcing their ingredients. Advantage: Chipotle.
Round two: calorie counters.
It’s no secret that Mexican food isn’t the healthiest option in the world. However, both restaurants do offer healthy alternatives. By losing the tortilla and getting a bowl or salad, you might just prevent the birth of your food baby. The similarities in the two menus made it tricky to declare a winner for this round, so I put fan favorites to the numbers test:
Both contenders put up a good fight. Advantage: draw.
Round three: menu variety.
While Chipotle likes to keep it simple, Qdoba's menu provides all kinds of options for any appetite. From taco salads to nachos or smothered burritos, Qdoba has an option for any eater. Advantage: Qdoba.
Round 4: vegetarian options.
Chipotle's sofritas are a sensational combination of organic tofu, chipotle chilis, roasted poblanos, and a blend of aromatic spices. This meatless option trumps Qdoba quesadillas or bean bowls, as both options can be prepared at either restaurant. That said, Chipotle's pinto beans are actually made of bacon, wear as, the same beans from Qdoba are legitimately vegan. However, Chipotle's sofritas are a game changer. This new delicious tofu alternative has both vegans and carnivores begging for more. Advantage: Chipotle.
Round five: national presence.
Chipotle is everywhere. Since it’s 1993 establishment, the chain has expanded to over 1600 locations. Qdoba came along two years later and has been slower to grow; there are 600 locations nationwide. Advantage: Chipotle.
Round six: price.
A typical Qdoba order costs consumers $7.80, while Chipotle usually amounts to just under $7. The difference is in the guacamole. Guac costs a Chipotle customer an additional $1.95, a delicacy Qdoba provides for free. Advantage: Qdoba.
Round seven: style points.
Chiptole's "Cultivate Thought" campaign is a tradition that sets them apart. Each recyclable cup or bag comes with a funky design or inspirational quote featuring interesting authors, comedians' humor, unique thoughts or short essays.
On the flip side, Qdoba generates style points through a rewards program offering free birthday meals and entrees based upon a point-system. Each restaurant strives to add a little razzle-dazzle in their own way, however, free food wins. Free food always wins.
Advantage: Qdoba.
Round eight: taste.
Heading into the final round, the score is: Chipotle: 3; Qdoba: 3, Draw: 1. Taste is the factor that trumps all the rest. So I suppose I'll break the tie, arguing for the Mexican chain restaurant that has my heart. At Chipotle, it was love at first sight. After tasting my first burrito bowl, I was hooked. The sweetness of the corn salsa, the tang of house-made gauc, the fresh salsa -- once I went Chipotle, I knew I'd never go back to Qdoba.. When it comes to the Chipotle vs. Qdoba conundrum, no one solves it better than this guy.
