Want a free burrito? Chipotle can help | Interactive feature

There is such thing as a free lunch today - and burritos are on the menu.

From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today, Chipotle Mexican Grill will serve its 20-ounce award-winning burritos and a soft drink at no charge to celebrate its grand opening tomorrow.

"We understand what's happening in the economy, so we're telling students c'mon, lunch is on us,'" said Chipotle spokeswoman Katherine Smith. "And it's a great type of an introduction."

Chipotle is on the ground floor of the Radian apartment building, located at 3925 Walnut St., across the street from Penn's campus, giving students, faculty and neighbors alike a chance to enjoy its cuisine.

The restaurant will seat 71 people inside and 12 outside when the weather permits.

College senior Jordan Cohen said he has long anticipated the opening of Chipotle. He compared the Free Burrito Day to a "blitzkrieg," giving Chipotle an advantage in "the burrito war against Qdoba."

According to a Chipotle press release, the restaurant works to maintain high-quality, fresh food.

All pork and chicken served is "naturally and humanely raised," according to the release. The sour cream and cheese are made from milk without the growth hormone rBGH.

Rich Waldo, operations director and head burrito maker, said Chipotle is an "adventure in eating."

Waldo eats at the restaurant five times a week, alternating between the 13 items each time.

After receiving a pass from Annenberg to receive a free burrito yesterday at a special preview held by the restaurant, Engineering senior Amy Kohli went to Chipotle for lunch.

While eating her burrito stuffed with chicken, homemade guacamole and grated cheese, she said it was "amazing."

She added she would be willing to wait all day for another free one.

Since many students have similar tastes, Chipotle's General Manager Lora Little said she expects the day to be chaotic.

Some fraternities, including Sigma Nu, have already placed their orders for burritos to serve at their rush events.

"I wouldn't be surprised if the line goes all the way to McDonalds," Little said.

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