On Saturday, the chain is opening its first-ever “digital-only” restaurant in Highland Falls, New York, near the West Point military academy. Unlike the traditional format, the dining room is gone and employees can’t take orders. Rather, customers can order pick-up or delivery only though its app, website or third-party apps like Uber Eats.
The new design aims to capture the “sounds, smells and kitchen views of a traditional Chipotle” with an open-facing kitchen. But the focal point will be shelves to fit more completed orders. There’s also a small bench for people to wait and there’s a separate entrance for catering orders.
“With digital sales tripling year over year last quarter, consumers are demanding more digital access than ever before so we’re constantly exploring new ways to enhance the experience for our guests,” said Curt Garner, Chipotle’s chief technology officer, said in a statement.
The burrito chain chose this upstate New York location for its first because of its “captive” nearby consumer base of cadets that have demanded Chipotle, but don’t have access to one nearby.
