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At Chipotle, the line never ends.

Yesterday the queue at the new restaurant stretched all the way out into the snow - an improvement over Thursday, when it extended outside to the Radian's front steps.

Chipotle Mexican Grill held its grand opening on Friday, becoming the newest restaurant in the Radian apartment building at 3925 Walnut St.

On Thursday, the restaurant held a Free Burrito Day to stir up excitement for the following day's opening.

The day-long event was "very, very successful," said Chipotle's spokeswoman Katherine Smith.

According to Smith, between 2,100 and 2,500 people attended the event, making it "the most successful opening in the Philadelphia area."

College and Wharton freshman Sandesh Shettar, who attended Free Burrito Day, said the wait was not as long as he'd expected.

"They have good service and good food," Shettar said. "I'll be back there."

Operations Director and head burrito maker Rich Waldo said that Free Burrito Day spurred an "addictive effect." Therefore, many people will return to get their burrito fix.

American Apparel employee Michael Wyman said that he had been a "Chip fan" for a couple years.

He stopped by the restaurant during his 20-minute break on Thursday to pick up a free burrito.

"I love the fresh food here," he said. He had previously worked at Qdoba and described the food there as "pretty gross."

Chipotle makes sure to utilize fresh and sustainable products daily, according to Smith.

The restaurant was still bustling yesterday, full of people with burritos in hand.

An eclectic soundtrack played in the background, featuring Tom Waits and Los Amigos.

The only problem students have with the new restaurant isn't the food - it's the lines.

In fact, College freshman Stephanie Ghitis said she saw the line on Free Burrito Day and then "ran away."

Ghitis added that she considers herself a "Mexican food connoisseur" and will be back at Chipotle later on - when the lines are shorter.

Nursing freshman Briana Costello said she enjoyed a burrito for lunch yesterday.

"I really like the environment," Costello said. "I'm happy a Chipotle opened up literally two minutes away from class."

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