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Here are just a few fascinating little tidbits about Chipotle. For only being around a little over 20 years, it sure has become an American institution!

1. IT ALL STARTED IN 1993.
Founder Steve Ellis started Chipotle in Denver, simply as a first step toward opening a fine-dining spot. But when the burrito shop started slinging 1,000 burritos each day—far surpassing his 100 burrito goal—he decided to stick with fast-casual Tex-Mex.

2. THE SIX-ITEM MENU ONLY *SEEMS* LIMITED.
From a list of burritos, tacos, bowls, and salads, you can make 65,000 different combinations of food. Consider that a challenge.

3. BOWLS ARE MORE POPULAR THAN BURRITOS.
That might be due the sheer number of extras you can pile on top of a burrito bowl when you're not limited by the constraints of a flour tortilla. Though there are plenty of ways to pack some freebies into your burrito, too.

4. CHORIZO HAS FINALLY ARRIVED.
And it's going to rock out your tacos. The long-awaited menu addition has made its way to locations in New York, Ohio, California, Kansas, and Colorado.

5. THE COST OF AN AVERAGE CHECK IS $12.
If you want to save on your bill, skip the guac (it's extra, duh) and opt for free extras like fajita veggies in addition to your protein—that can stretch your $10 dinner into lunch the next day as well.

6. IT USES OVER 480,000 AVOCADOS EVERY SINGLE DAY.
So. Much. Guacamole. Plus, the chain blows through more than 27 million pounds of cheese and over 36 million pounds of sour cream. That's a whole lotta dairy.

7. SINGER-SONGWRITER JASON MRAZ IS ONE OF THE CHAIN'S AVOCADO SUPPLIERS.
He lives on a farm near San Diego, CA, and produces about 30,000 pounds of avocados every year.

8. CHICKEN IS THE MOST POPULAR PROTEIN.
But carnitas lovers are very passionate about their meat of choice.

9. ASK FOR FRESH CHOPPED CILANTRO.
It's not used all the time but if you love cilantro, you should definitely add it to your order. Chipotle uses more than two acres of organically grown cilantro in its restaurants every day.

10. YOU CAN ORDER A MARGARITA AT ABOUT 900 LOCATIONS.
Plus, the chain has plans to expand its booze offerings (potentially to keep up with Taco Bell), with some locations offering sangria and beer as well.

11. IF YOU ORDER A VEGGIE BURRITO, BOWL, OR TACOS, GUAC IS FREE.
Plus, guac is still extra if you order sofritas (tofu).

Wow, Free Guac!

We'd never heard these facts about Chipotle but now that we know more about its history and the inner workings of this popular Tex-Mex chain, we're going to see the restaurant in a whole new light.

What Do You Order When You Go To Chipotle?

Article Source: Delish