Unpopular Opinion
[uhn-pop-yuh-ler · uh-pin-yuh n]
Noun:
An opinion disputed by the media as well as most of the “popular” population: People who say Moe’s is their favorite Mexican Restaurant have an unpopular opinion
I am not afraid to admit that my opinions on American Mexican food may appear to be “unpopular.” For years Chipotle rained supreme as the king of fast-food burrito bars. With a whopping 2,010 US locations (as of 2015) and stores abroad in the UK, Canada, Germany, and France, it’s not a surprise that Chipotle is seen as on of the most popular “fast casual” dining options. However, with their recent food safety scandals (including Salmonella, E. Coli, and norovirus outbreaks), Chipotle has fallen behind in the fast-casual Mexican market polls. According to CNBC, Moe’s Southwest Grill has pulled ahead of Chipotle in the “burrito battle.” Moe’s won the 2016 “Fast-Casual Mexican Restaurant of the Year” award with half as many locations as Chipotle. Not only has Moe’s avoided food safety scandals, their food and overall dining experience are far superior Chipotle’s. Here are just a few reasons why, in my opinion, Moe’s will always beat out Chipotle:
- “Welcome to Moe’s”
Source: http://assets.kingletas.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/WelcomeToMoesTag.jpg
Are you greeted with a hearty “Welcome to Chipotle” when you walk into Chipotle? I think not.
- “Art Vandelay” and “John Coctostan”
Source: https://b.zmtcdn.com/data/menus/344/16934344/2c0517311d0c8bd19c2a16f29e0…
Moe’s menu items are named after famous pop culture icons – something that makes choosing which item to get all the more enjoyable.
- Options, options, options!
Source:http://www.come-to-cape-coral.com/images/P6102341.jpg
Moe’s has burritos, junior burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, salads, stacks, and burrito bowls. That’s double the amount of options that are available at Chipotle.
- The variety of fillings
Source: http://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/sites/default/files/styles/750_w…
While Chipotle has many options for the types of filling and toppings that can go on their burritos, tacos, bowls, and salads, Moe’s variety of options is far superior.
- Quesadillas
Source: http://www.moes.com/public/images/food/quesadillas/john-coctostan.jpg
Sure, Chipotle has quesadillas, but can you put guacamole, lettuce, olives, jalapenos, chicken, AND beans in a Chipotle ‘dilla?
- Queso
Source: http://www.mastercook.com/app/Image/8154553/2629439.jpg
Chipotle doesn’t have queso.’Nuf said.
- Free chips and Salsa
Source: http://momandmore.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Screen-shot-2011-04-16-…
Every meal at Moe’s comes with FREE (that’s right, FREE) chips AND salsa. At chipotle, chips and salsa will cost you an additional $195.
- Cookies
Source: http://www.thatchicmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Moes-southwest-gri…
Every kid’s meal comes with a cookie, but don’t think that prohibits us adults from buying a cookie (they’re only $0.70).
- Side? Cup? Bowl?
Source: https://www.yummymath.com/wp-content/uploads/Cup-and-Bowl-Sizes-lg.jpg
That’s right, you can get a side, a cup or a bowl of queso or guacamole at Moe’s. Chipotle only offers one size of their guacamole.
If you haven’t given Moe’s a try, what are you waiting for? Click here to find the Moe’s closest to you!
If you are interested in writing an article for Her Campus Davidson, contact us at davidson@hercampus.com or come to our weekly meeting Tuesday at 8 p.m. in the Morcott Room.