Chipotle has launched a series of buy-one-get-one-free food offers this December, drawing attention from customers hoping to score a free entrée during the holiday season. The Newport Beach-based restaurant chain announced that these deals would roll out on three consecutive Saturdays, with each event tied to a specific menu item or theme.
On Saturday, December 13, the key offer starts at 4 p.m. local time. Customers who purchase a burrito in-restaurant can receive another entrée, free of charge. This deal is available at participating locations across the United States and is part of the month-long campaign called “Unwrap Extra.” The promotion kicked off last week and is expected to run through December 20, targeting both regular customers and Chipotle Rewards members.
The buy-one-get-one (BOGO) options extend beyond burritos. Earlier this month, Chipotle ran a Tacos BOGO event, and next week, the company plans to mark “Extra Sweater Day” by rewarding customers who arrive at a Chipotle in what the chain describes as a “festive” or “over-the-top” sweater. On December 20, customers wearing these sweaters will be eligible for another free entrée with the purchase of an entrée.
Entrées covered by these deals include burritos, bowls, salads, and tacos. There is a limit of five free menu items per check, and kids’ meals do not count toward the qualifying purchase. The deal can only be redeemed in person, and Chipotle will not combine these offers with other coupons or discounts.
Rewards Exclusives and College Specials
Chipotle has not limited its offers to walk-in customers. The company has rolled out extra treats for its Rewards Members throughout December. These include free chips or double protein, sent as surprise drops during the month.
For college students at schools with Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) postseason eligibility, Chipotle introduced a program called “Bowl Eligible.” Students who are Chipotle U Rewards Members at one of the 84 qualifying universities can receive a free entrée with purchase. The company has instructed new student members to join by Thursday, December 18, to claim this offer. Existing members at eligible schools will see the deal added to their account on December 10 and December 19. These student-specific deals require customers to order through the Chipotle app or website, and the free entrée must be redeemed within a week of the offer appearing in their account.
Chris Brandt, president and chief brand officer, said the company wants to “give back to our fans and create moments to come together around the food they crave with the people they love.” The company described this holiday push as its biggest promotional effort yet, with deals structured to build excitement from week to week.
Local Impact and Customer Response
The BOGO deals have generated buzz in cities like Austin, where Chipotle operates 18 locations. Customers have lined up at stores on eligible Saturdays, with many taking advantage of the evening-only time frame. Store staff report that the after-4 p.m. cutoff has created a burst of activity, as regular customers and new faces alike arrive after work or weekend errands.
The company has encouraged customers to check their local Chipotle for participation. Entrée choices under the deal include the chain’s most popular menu items, such as burritos stuffed with chicken, steak, or vegetables, as well as salads and taco meals. Some regulars say that the extra offerings for Rewards Members keep them coming back, while others see the deals as a way to bring friends and family together at a lower cost.
Chipotle’s approach this year appears to balance in-store traffic with digital engagement for students and loyalty customers. For those interested in more details about the ongoing BOGO offers, the Austin American-Statesman and USA Today have published coverage with step-by-step guides for redeeming deals and summaries of upcoming promotions.
Looking Ahead
With just one Saturday left in the “Unwrap Extra” campaign, Chipotle fans are watching for the final round of BOGO deals. The company has signaled that these events could return in future holiday seasons, depending on customer response. For now, Chipotle’s December deals offer a chance for customers around the country to stretch their dining budgets and share a meal with others during a busy time of year.
