Chipotle says they'll take another look at CG

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A local push to lure Mexican fast-casual chain Chipotle Mexican Grill to Cottage Grove has successfully revived the popular restaurant’s interest in the city, mayor Myron Bailey said Tuesday.

The company’s commercial real estate broker contacted Cottage Grove community development director Howard Blin on Monday on behalf of Chipotle CEO Steve Ells, telling city officials Denver-based chain wants to reevaluate their decision last year to pass on the Cottage Grove market.

“It’s obviously not a done deal yet,” said Bailey, “but now we’ve got the eyes of the CEO looking our way.”

Bailey, fellow city council member Justin Olsen, and local real estate broker Craig Patterson began the push earlier this month to coax the trendy burrito joint into taking another look at the city.

The three spearheaded a letter writing campaign that urged residents to contact Chipotle corporate officials and express their desire to see the restaurant — famous for its big, foil-wrapped burritos and naturally raised meat — in Cottage Grove.

Bailey said he doesn’t know how many contacted Chipotle. He’s not surprised the city received a response — but how soon Cottage Grove officials heard back was a shock.

City officials will meet with the broker in Cottage Grove in the near future, Bailey said, though no date has been set. He said the city is willing to work with Chipotle on their preferred site.

“We’re open to where they want to go,” Bailey said. “There’s options.”

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Tags: cottage grove, myron bailey, chipotle