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Latest Chipotle freebie: Drinks for students in SeptemberLatest Chipotle freebie: Drinks for students in September

Back-to-school promotion targets brand’s young audience

Lisa Jennings, Executive Editor

August 29, 2016

2 Min Read
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High school and college students heading back to school can get a free fountain soft drink or iced tea with purchase of an entrée at Chipotle Mexican Grill and kids can eat free on Sundays during September, the company said Monday.

The promotions are the latest in a series of freebies, buy-one, get-one, and discounted offers from the Denver-based chain, which has been struggling to regain traffic after a series of foodborne illness outbreaks last year.

Students must have a valid school ID to earn their free drink, the company said. The transactions still count toward the Chiptopia loyalty program, which rewards guests for paid visits of at least $6.

“It can be tough when the end of the summer collides with the reality of heading back to school,” said Chris Arnold, Chipotle’s communications director, in a statement. “Were filling – and refilling – students’ cups at all Chipotle locations to celebrate the beginning of the new academic year.”

The free drinks are limited to one per person per visit and only valid with in-store orders. Bottled drinks like Izze and Nantucket are excluded, Chipotle said.

On Sundays during the month, customers will receive a free kid’s meal with the purchase of an entrée. Kids will also get a book, “Dragons Love Tacos,” written by Adam Rubin and illustrated by Daniel Salmieri, along with a limited-edition in-store activity sheet.

Update: Aug. 30, 2016  This story has been updated with new information from Chipotle about its promotions.

Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected]
Follow her on Twitter: @livetodineout

About the Author

Lisa Jennings

Executive Editor, Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality

Lisa Jennings is executive editor of Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. She joined the NRN staff as West Coast editor in 2004 as a veteran journalist. Before joining NRN, she spent 11 years at The Commercial Appeal, the daily newspaper in Memphis, Tenn., most recently as editor of the Food and Health & Wellness sections. Prior experience includes staff reporting for the Washington Business Journal and United Press International.

Lisa’s areas of expertise include coverage of both large public restaurant chains and small independents, the regulatory and legal landscapes impacting the industry overall, as well as helping operators find solutions to run their business better.

Lisa Jennings’ experience:

Executive editor, NRN (March 2020 to present)

Executive editor, Restaurant Hospitality (January 2018 to present)

Senior editor, NRN (September 2004 to March 2020)

Reporter/editor, The Commercial Appeal (1990-2001)

Reporter, Washington Business Journal (1985-1987)

Contact Lisa Jennings at:

[email protected]

@livetodineout

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-jennings-83202510/

 

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