Chipotle customers are taking their outrage to TikTok by filming themselves walking out mid-order - leaving employees baffled and food wasted.
Chipotle Facing Portion Size Backlash
Chipotle Mexican Grill is facing customer dissatisfaction due to rising prices and "shrinkflation." This discontent has manifested in a frustrating social media trend on TikTok, where users film themselves walking out of Chipotle mid-order as a form of protest to the shock of the poor folks working their shift that day.
Trending on TikTok
According to Deseret.com the TikTok videos involve customers entering a Chipotle store and placing an order. Their focus is on the amount of food, particularly meat, being added to their order. Many users kevtch their dissatisfaction with the portion sizes, with some even requesting more from the staff. If they don't get their way, they bail mid-order, which is freaking rude to the poor dude making minimum wage to serve you your burrito and also just a massive waste of food at a time when people are going hungry all over the world. However, not all experiences are negative; some videos show customers receiving what they consider to be acceptable portions from accommodating servers. So far, these have been in the minority, though.
Reasons for the Boycott
This trend stems from a broader customer perception that Chipotle is offering less value for money. The issue gained traction after a popular online fast food critic, Keith Lee, shared a negative review of his recent Chipotle experience. Lee criticized the portion sizes in his bowl and quesadilla, awarding them low ratings. Following Lee's review, many social media users echoed his concerns, sharing their own experiences of disappointment with Chipotle's quality and value proposition. The irony here is that Lee just had a pie named after him from Pizza Hut, which has had its own share of complaints in recent months.
Rising Food Costs
The trend also reflects growing concerns about rising food prices at quick-serve restaurants in general. Remember the $18 Big Mac meal? Inflation has led to fewer people eating out in general, impacting chains like McDonald's which has reported losing customers due to their ever-escalating prices. While some chains like Chipotle have seen increased sales despite price hikes, the issue of affordability remains a concern for many US families that rely on these chains as affordable options.
Is the Walkout Effective?
Those participating in the mid-order walkout believe it's a way to get Chipotle's attention and express their gripes. It remains to be seen if this social stunt will lead to any concrete changes from Chipotle, but let's be honest here: this is a jerk move. Unlike other fast food joints where you make an order, wait, and it comes out after heating, Chipotle meals are prepared almost buffet style, so somebody has to pile the food on your plate as you decide what you want. That meal can not just be put back under a heat lamp if you bail on it. It is now trash which is a huge waste. Also, put yourself in that employee's shoes for a second, and imagine how crappy you'd feel after making someone a monstrous bowl of grub only to have that person insultingly walk out without paying. Here's a tip on effective boycotts. Instead of performative pranks to earn more likes, if you really have an issue with a company, just don't patronize them. See how easy that was? Go ahead and announce it to your online community, but there is absolutely no reason to have someone labor on your behalf just so you can tell them off and bounce. Please, don't be that person.
