Chipotle’s ShopHouse tests burrito format for Asian fareChipotle’s ShopHouse tests burrito format for Asian fare

ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen is testing wraps at four units, including its original location in Washington, D.C., the company confirmed Wednesday.

Chris Arnold, communications director for ShopHouse parent Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc., said the test is a product of the fact that guests were bringing tortillas from a nearby Chipotle unit to the restaurant in Washington's Dupont Circle and asking if they could roll the Asian dishes offered at ShopHouse like a burrito.

So ShopHouse decided to test that option on the menu, using the same tortillas used at Chipotle. The test is in the Dupont Circle restaurant, as well as two units in Chicago and one in Los Angeles.

Typically, ShopHouse offers the option of building a bowl over rice, noodles or salad, with various proteins, vegetables, sauces and garnishes.

The wrap test was noted in a report Wednesday by Wall Street analyst Mark Kalinowski of Nomura, who said Chipotle continues to tinker with the 15-unit ShopHouse chain, which he described as “a concept that may simply be ahead of its time at present — but one we visit every chance we get.”

Chipotle also is an investor in the Pizzeria Locale concept, and this fall plans to launch Tasty Made Burgers in Lancaster, Ohio. 

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