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Chipotle skips sponsorship of college bowl games, offers free delivery instead

December 20, 2018

In honor of college football season, Chipotle Mexican Grill is offering free delivery now through Jan. 7 on any Chipotle order worth $10 or more.

"Given the iconic nature of Chipotle's Burrito Bowl, many consumers have pointed out that we should sponsor a bowl game," Chipotle CMO Chris Brandt, said in a company press release. "We listened and decided to do something about it. But, rather than spending millions on a traditional game sponsorship, we decided to give that money back to our fans in the form of free delivery." 

With the help of expanded delivery partnerships and the ability to offer delivery directly within Chipotle's mobile app and website, the company has seen steady growth in digital orders. Last quarter, digital sales grew 48 percent, with digital orders accounting for 11.2 percent of sales, according to the release.

Chipotle has also been achieving industry-leading delivery times, made possible by the digital pick-up shelves the company is rolling out nationwide to help customers and delivery drivers get food even faster.  Additionally, tech-enabled, second-make lines allow employees to quickly prepare entrees as digital orders are placed without impacting service for in-restaurant customers, according to the release.

To redeem the offer, customers must place a delivery order via the Chipotle mobile app or online at order.chipotle.com. All orders of $10 or more (excluding tax) will automatically be eligible for free delivery with no coupon code needed.