Chipotle Mexican Grill Opens for Business in Brandon: 5 Things To Know

The Chipotle Mexican Grill is open for business at 829 East Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon, in the Publix- and Walmart-anchored shopping center at the corner of Bloomingdale Avenue and Bell Shoals Road.

Grand opening dining is scheduled through 10 p.m. Sept. 13 at the grill that represents the chain's first location in Brandon and the 11th in the Tampa Bay area.

Regular busienss hours for the restaurant are Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Post your reviews of the much-anticipated restaurant opening in the comment box below.

Meanwhile, here's five things we learned from visiting the Chiptle online:

1. In 20 words of less, the restaurant's view of "food with integrity" is . . .

• "It's not jsut a burrito. It's a foil-wrapped, hand-crafted, local farm supporting food culture changing cylinder of deliciousness." Put another way (with 23 words): "Food with integrity is our commitment to finding the very best ingredients raised with respect for the animals, the environment and the farmers."

2. In a nutshell, here's the Chipotle story (more online) . . . 

• "Take one young chef, toss in a former Dolly Madison ice cream shop, mix it with the dream of creating a gourmet burrito, and voila, you get Chipotle."

3. "Lining Up"

• "This is where the magic happens," according to the folks from Chipotle. "Each ingredient is laid out in front of you so you can choose the perfect combination to make your perfect meal." Watch the process "as your burrito, bowl, tacos or salad is prepared exactly the way you want it and handed to you almost instantly."

4. Open Kitchen

• Each Chipotle restaurant is designed with a kitchen that is open to diner viewing throughout the restaurant.

5. Menu

• It's noted that the "menu isn't long" but that "it's long on options." Diners "start with the basics and customize as needed to build" their "perfect meals." Create a burrito, burrito bowl, crispy taco, soft taco or salad and throw in chips and guacamole. A kid's menu is available as well.