MC getting Chipotle drive-thru finally

Mount Carmel is implementing a new Chipotle drive thru planned to wrap around the Student Center. There will also be an inside portion taking the place of the unused stage. 

This project is being led by basketball team and student spectators. They would like a more affordable option than DoorDash, which they normally use to get food while attending games. Students are tired of paying delivery fees and tipping drivers.

The new Chipotle will be funded out of the 2023 Walkathon and provide a decently-healthy option for MC students. The new store will also allow for some on-campus jobs.

”DoorDash is just too expensive,” says Caravan shooting guard Cooper Kavanaugh, “I shouldn’t have to pay $25 for a burrito with chips.” 

The average cost per meal from Chipotle in store is only $13.32. On DoorDash, the average cost per meal passes $23. This is way too much to pay for game fuel. This new Chipotle location at 64th and Dante should solve this problem.

This project has been in the making for a few years. The school has been lacking a good after-school food option on campus. The vending machine’s bottom row is never stocked, and grab-and-go lunch only happens on half days. The new drive thru is supposed to be complete by the start of the 2023-2024 school year.

Principal Scott Tabernacki is pleased with the basketball program's performance in the last few seasons. “This is a reward for them,” he says. “They have earned it.” 

Last year, Mr. Tabernacki put a credit card reader on the vending machine,resulting in a 200% increase in honey bun sales. This particular credit card reader was equipped with Apple Pay, something that can be used with just the click of a button. Some critics argue that this was a bad move, as most teenagers don’t fully understand economics. 

MC’s bottom line seems just fine with it, but the new drive thru is not without its critics.

Head soccer coach and Spanish teacher Mr. Antonio Godinez thinks that this is outrageous. “A Chipotle?” he asked incredulously. “Really? It's like going to Cancun, staying in a resort, and saying you went to Mexico. It’s not real.” 

But fellow coach and English teacher Mr. Manuel Medina is excited for this new place “as long as it serves Coke Zero.”

Head basketball coach Phil Seagroves endorses this new store. His players will be fully fueled before games, but he has recommended them to not order beans, as brown jerseys are not worn at home. “I have told them what to eat and what not to eat before games,” he said. “I said stick to lettuce, chicken, and vegetables. Beans are not allowed before games.”

This Chipotle is set to be open seven days a week, even when school is not in session. The original plan was only on school days, but the Business Office foresees huge profits keeping it going on weekends and school breaks.

The overwhelming feedback from students is positive, and they hope it will be open for lunch. Chipotle will be sending representatives out to see the area, and construction will begin over summer. 

“Big things are happening at MC,” said Mr. Tabernacki.