Burrito war looms over Athens
Battle for business worries local eateries
By Josh Work, Copy Editor
September 28, 2007 | 2:24 a.m.
Not everyone is looking forward to Chipotle’s arrival in Athens next year. For the local businesses, especially those specializing in burritos, the new restaurant in town could mean trouble.
As the buzz about Chipotle spreads across campus, businesses such as the Burrito Buggy and Big Mamma’s Burritos prepare to withstand the drop in customers as a result of the new competition.
“It’s another large corporation moving in and hurting the small businesses,” Burrito Buggy night manager Joyce Cunningham said. “Everyone flocks, then comes back after a time. We’ll just carry on.”
Big Mamma’s Burritos expects a similar drought in patrons, owner Quinn Schaller said.
“Chipotle’s coming to town has always been something that I expected even back when I first opened,” Schaller said. “The limited parking and the fact that we are a small community means that Chipotle will steal existing business instead of creating new business for the area.”
Like any situation where a major franchise with expendable income comes to a small town, the small, native businesses expect to see a drain on their clientele. Despite this probability, such businesses are fairly optimistic about the future.
“Whenever anything new comes in, everyone wants to try it. Then they come back in about six months. Small businesses just have to survive,” Cunningham said.
“We’ll still get regulars,” Terrie Turney, an employee of Big Mamma’s, said, “but it will be harder to get freshmen to come in rather than go somewhere else where they’re more comfortable.”
Regardless, several students have expressed excitement toward the installment of Chipotle on Court Street. Once only a common wish among many, the realization of that dream has many students looking forward to the future. Although it seems that they “can’t wait” for Chipotle to open, this does not mean that they will abandon the local burrito businesses they have come to love.
“I really like Chipotle, but it’s kind of expensive, and Burrito Buggy is cheaper,” sophomore Lindsey Sims said.
Sophomore Tim Hatcher also pointed out a certain loyalty to the local burrito eateries. “I like Chipotle, but I also like Big Mamma’s,” Hatcher said, citing the difference in taste and style between each restaurant.
Students have mentioned other reasons that might affect how frequently they eat at each restaurant. Chipotle certainly has an appeal that will draw many customers, but the crowded opening atmosphere may not appeal to everyone.
“I used to eat at Wendy’s, but now it’s too busy,” Hatcher said. “Chipotle will probably get really busy, too.”
Some customers may see Chipotle as just another option among the big businesses and local places around Athens. Whatever a customer’s taste may be, it is likely that a restaurant exists near campus that will fit his or her taste.
“It’s true that I’ll probably eat at the local places less, but really, I’ll eat wherever I feel like eating,” Sims said.
Schaller is not looking forward to the big competition expected next year. He doesn’t plan on throwing in the towel, however, and he points out that his restaurant, like many other local businesses, has a reasonable following among Athens residents.
“I’m sure we’ll see a decrease in our business,” Schaller said, “but we have a very strong customer base that will continue to support us.”
Schaller also notes that while Chipotle’s menu is similar, Big Mamma’s burritos are unique in several ways.
“We offer lots and lots of options,” he said. “We offer everything from a traditional burrito to one that tastes like a Steak and Shake burger. We have more than just one vegetarian option. Our Chipotle Ranch Mamma has a sauce that I guarantee you won’t find at any other burrito place. Big Mamma’s has something that will please everyone, even people who don’t traditionally like burritos.”
So, while some Ohio University students salivate in anticipation of Chipotle’s opening, Schaller offers an important point about advocacy for the local restaurants: “I want people to remember what makes Athens so unique. The small businesses that can only be found in this town are part of why we all choose to leave our big cities and spend a little part of our life in Appalachia. Keep an open mind and try new things. Give our small businesses a chance and remember there is a reason why we have been here so long. You can eat at chain restaurants for the rest of your life, but some day you will leave behind Athens and the opportunity to experience the great, little place that makes it the town we love.”