Chipotle Mexican Grill is set to open its first Chipotlane in Canada after a hiring blitz that offered above-minimum wage to workers.
The American company announced that it's opening the company's drive-thru digital order pickup in Port Coquitlam on Monday (Oct. 25).
Its hours of operation will be from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m., and opening day will feature Chipotle swag for the first 50 customers.
However, consumers take note: The Chipotlane does not have a regular drive-thru function — there is no speaker for placing orders. Instead, all orders picked up via the Chipotlane are placed using Chipotle.ca or the Chipotle app.
You can still order inside the store, as you would for a standard Chipotle restaurant.
On average, there are 25 employees per location, and the Port Coquitlam location has positions available for workers wanting to join the team, according to a company spokesperson.
Currently, Chipotle has 280 Chipotlanes in the United States that allow guests to place their order in advance via the Chipotle app or website.
Chipotlanes differ from the traditional Chipotle layout by increasing access and convenience with a "speedy and seamless guest experience," according to a company press release.
Chipotle currently has 25 restaurants in Canada and plans to open three more restaurants in B.C. and Ontario before the end of the year.
“We are excited to provide Port Coquitlam guests the option to grab their digital Chipotle orders without ever leaving their car,” said Anat Davidzon, managing director for Chipotle Canada, in the release.
“The new location will also bring additional career opportunities to the area for residents interested in cultivating a better world through real food.”
In August, Chipotle increased its staff wages in Canada; in B.C., its minimum rate is $16 an hour. The company also offers career paths to higher positions as well and reimburses employeess for tuition fees up to $5,250 a year in qualifying programs.
To boost its recruitment efforts in the region, Chipotle recently introduced a $200 bonus for employees who refer a crew member and a $750 bonus for employees who refer an apprentice or general manager.
Based in California, Chipotle Mexican Grill got its Port Coquitlam outlet up and running about 10 months after city council approved its renovation plans.
The drive-thru is located on the north side of Lougheed Highway on Ottawa Street.
