Chipotle holds grand opening in Ridgeland

The long-awaited Chipotle Mexican Grill on County Line Road opened Wednesday to customers.

The restaurant was filled with people at 10:30 a.m. waiting to order food at the first Chipotle location in the Metro area.

The national fast-casual chain is known for Tex-Mex-style food that includes burritos, bowls and salads.

Ridgeland Mayor Gene F. McGee said he and his wife had the privilege of being the first guests served at the new location on Tuesday. The mayor noted that they had a variety of options that were compatible with his vegan diet.

“It was very delicious,” McGee said. 

He went on to say that he was impressed by the way the business ran and served customers.

“They are very efficient. they have everything down to a science,” McGee said.

The restaurant is located at 836 East County Line Road in Ridgeland. Before Chipotle, the location was Shrimp Basket and before that, it was Shoney’s next to the Circle K convenience store.

This is the first of two locations slated for Madison County. The second location broke ground in Madison in mid-February. It will be located on Grandview Boulevard behind Zaxby’s and is slated to open by late summer.

Chipotle was founded in Denver, Colo., in 1993, and has become one of the most popular Mexican fast-casual chains in the country, with 2,918.