***NOTE: NATIONAL CHIPOTLE DAY ≠ FREE BURRITO DAY (THIS IS A FAN-MADE EVENT WITHOUT AFFILIATION WITH CHIPOTLE)***
In May 2007, I started National Chipotle Day on a whim to try to see how many people I could get to join. I never could have predicted, however, how much success I would encounter over the course of two weeks. Over the span of two weeks, over 22,000 people realized Chipotle is deserving of a National Holiday, and they made National Chipotle Day special.
After the enormous success the original National Chipotle enjoyed, I had no choice but to bring it back last year. Instead of only two weeks, however, I gave the holiday three and a half months to attract people, and you didn't disappoint. Two years ago, 142,000 people on Facebook attended National Chipotle Day, a truly amazing number. Last year, we peaked a little too early - which is why I only planned for 2 months of preparation this year - but still reached 90,000+ attendees. All together, we've brought OVER 250,000 PEOPLE together to enjoy the burrito-y goodness on June 1st the past three years!!
This year, we're back at it again.
For those who don't remember, or maybe didn't attend National Chipotle Day last year, it is just what it sounds like - a day to honor Chipotle and its burrito-y goodness. A visit to Chipotle is like a sneak peek at heaven, and a bite into a burrito (or bol or taco or salad) made just for you is unlike anything else in the world. It is spectacular.
June 1st, 2010 is going to be the fourth annual National Chipotle Day. On June 1st, take as many of your friends as you can and swarm the nearest Chipotle as a sign of thanks for blessing your neighborhood with its presence. Three years ago, we got 22,000 people in two weeks. Two years ago, we got 142,000 people in 108 days. Last year, to honor the 142,000 people from 2008, we had 142 days to spread the word to as many Chipotle lovers as possible. Unfortunately, this was way too long, and the group peaked way too early -- but not before 90,000+ of you attended. Needless to say, the sky is the limit for us - while there is no specific goal for National Chipotle Day 2010, I'd like to think 100k is reasonable.
In order for us to reach such a goal, however, we need to make sure to INVITE all your friends! If they haven't experienced the goodness that is Chipotle yet, make it a date! Just make sure to INVITE, INVITE, INVITE!!!!!!!
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Also -- to address a common misconception: As of right now, Chipotle is not acknowledging this as a special event. Translation: NO FREE BURRITOS. But...hopefully I will be in contact with some Chipotle representatives soon, and maybe we can change that. Just because there aren't free burritos, however, doesn't make Chipotle any less awesome - and it certainly doesn't mean you should not attend National Chipotle Day. And, for people who don't really seem to "get it," attending/supporting National Chipotle Day is as easy as going to your local Chipotle and eating all you can eat. You'll appreciate it. They'll appreciate it. That, my friends, is what we call a win-win.
***IMPORTANT INFORMATION***
For the record, I am not associated with Chipotle. I do not and have never worked for Chipotle. As a result of this event's success in 2007, they did recognize my efforts, but I am not doing this because Chipotle is rewarding me in any way as a result. I am doing this because I love Chipotle.
You should join because you love Chipotle. Let's face it, Chipotle really doesn't need advertising - it's too good on its own. They don't need a National Chipotle Day to try to manipulate people to go to Chipotle - people flock there naturally because they know it's the right thing to do.
This is, of course, an unofficial holiday. It is made in good spirit, with the hope that those who partake in it will take it with a smile. That being said...invite, invite, invite!!!
Also: Yes, June 1st is two months away. But I need the extra time to promote this so we can get as many people as possible.
Don't be a Debbie Downer and say, "I don't know what I'm doing that day, I can't commit to this." - If you like Chipotle, "attending" this event is an easy way to say you do, and if you end up actually being busy on June 1st and you really can't make it to a Chipotle in person, it's not the end of the world.
LIFE IS BURRITOFUL
One last thing: don't forget to INVITE all your friends! We want to make this the most successful NCD yet.
1 member: 4/1/10, 12:00 am
1,000 members: 4/1/10, 1:30 pm
2,500 members: 4/1/10, 6:00 pm
5,000 members: 4/2/10, 12:00 am
10,000 members: 4/2/10, 9:30 pm
25,000 members: 4/5/10, 5:00 pm
50,000 members: 4/7/10, 4:00 pm
75,000 members: 4/10/10, 5:00 pm
100,000 members: 4/19/10, 11:00 pm
If you have any questions/comments/suggestions/etc, please feel free to send me (Ned Dutton) a message:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=1433760103
