When I arrived at the new Chipotle Mexican Grill on West End, the first company location in Tennessee, the place was bustling. Training was in progress and I watched teams of new employees steaming rice. The manager instructed his cooks on the perfect time to add cilantro to ensure that the herb wasn’t over-browned. This careful attention to detail was standard during the preparations I observed leading up to Friday’s Grand Opening.

 There to give me a tour was Ryan Dickerson, a self-described “Marketing Guy.” In charge of promotions for Chipotle’s Southeast locations, Dickerson led me through the kitchen and storage rooms of the restaurant. With clean lines of corrugated steel and a vibrant red paint scheme, the interior is pleasing to the eye. This décor conveys the company ethic, an unflagging commitment to environmentally friendly materials. All of the sheetrock and decorative metal is recycled, and the lights and faucets in the bathrooms are motion sensitive. Chipotle’s green mindset is also reflected in their food. The meats in all Southeast locations are naturally raised and cooked to order in zesty spices. All Chipotle restaurants are corporately owned to maintain consistency and the food generally meets these high standards.

 Unfortunately for Vandy Students, Chipotle is not on the card … yet. However, Dickerson is meeting with Camp Howard, Director of Student Dining, in an effort to get on the card for next semester. I asked Dickerson if he thought Chipotle would challenge Qdoba for the post-party market and stay open all night. He told me that their hours would initially be from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, but that they were open to extending hours to 2 a.m. if demand was apparent. Dickerson was clear that the restaurant wants to cater to students as much as possible and is open to any feedback.

The opening of this restaurant enriches the already vibrant culinary scene along West End Avenue. Beyond all that, this week is a great time to score mad burrito swag for free during the Grand Opening activities. Check out this student-friendly hotspot and indulge yourself with spicy Southwest flavors.

Here are some quick details on the opening festivities:

Pre-Opening Party:
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Free Food and Soft Drinks

Grand Opening:
Friday, Nov. 13, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The first 100 customers to buy a burrito after 3 p.m. receive a Chipotle T-shirt and a free burrito card for a future visit.
Enter to win free burritos for a year.