New Chipotle opens in Coralville-based Panchero’s backyard

CORALVILLE — A national competitor to Panchero’s Mexican Grill has set up shop in the Coralville-based company’s own backyard.

Chipotle Mexican Grill, a fast-casual Tex-Mex chain with locations across the country, opened its first Coralville location at 3260 Redhawk St. on June 19. The new location features the brand’s signature Chipotlane, which allows guests to pick up mobile orders without leaving their cars.

The location is Chipotle’s third in the Corridor, following openings in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. It is the 12th location in Iowa, versus Panchero’s 26 locations in the state.

The new Chipotle location also happens to be a mile down the road from Panchero’s corporate headquarters.

Panchero’s, started in 1992, has a bigger presence in Iowa and stronger ties to the upper Midwest, with more than 70 locations across 13 states.

Chipotle started a year later, and has more than 3,400 locations around the world. It had 16 Colorado-based locations in 1998 before McDonald’s Corp. became a major investor. By the time McDonald’s divested from Chipotle in 2006, the brand had grown to move than 500 locations.

Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.