Marketing

Chipotle hooks up with Clemson Tigers

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September 18, 2023

Chipotle has partnered with Clemson Tigers running back Will Shipley to temporarily rename the Chipotle restaurant at 393 College Ave., in Downtown Clemson, South Carolina, "Shipotle" in honor of Saturday's game between Clemson and Florida State.

The restaurant features signage paying homage to a nickname, "Shipotle," given to Shipley by his teammates last season after they noticed how often he eats Chipotle, according to a company press release. His go-to order is a bowl with white rice, black beans, double chicken, fresh tomato salsa, roasted chili-corn salsa, light cheese and Queso Blanco.

"From growing up in the Charlotte area to my time in Clemson, South Carolina, Chipotle has always been my go-to meal," Shipley said in the release. "To have this validated with the 'Shipotle' restaurant is unbelievable, and I'm looking forward to the buzz it will help bring to campus ahead of our game this weekend."

As part of the promotion, Chipotle will give limited-edition "Shipotle" T-shirts to the first 1,000 guests who purchase any entree from the restaurant while supplies last.

How the partnership began
Shortly after the Supreme Court's decision allowing college athletes to profit off their name and likeness, Chipotle published a tweet on July 1, 2021 that encouraged fans to tag a college athlete that needs a Chipotle sponsorship. Shipley responded with the tweet explaining how he "loves Chipotle more than anyone else in the world," and now, two years later, Chipotle is making his NIL dreams come true.

"When it comes to sponsoring athletes and celebrities, we only work with the biggest Chipotle fans," Chris Brandt, Chipotle chief brand officer, said in the release. "Will is not only a proven superfan of the brand, but his passion for our real food is worthy of temporarily naming his favorite restaurant after him — a rare feat for a one-of-a-kind student athlete."