Customers have been expressing dissatisfaction with Chipotle’s portion sizes, leading to criticism on TikTok. However, Laurie Schalow, the chief corporate affairs and food safety officer at Chipotle, stated that the company has not made any changes to their portion sizes. She emphasized that the meals have always been customizable, allowing customers to request more or less of any ingredient when ordering. Despite this, discourse around portion sizes began after popular food critic Keith Lee reviewed some items from the menu and found that they were lacking in portion size and flavor.
In a video posted on May 3, Keith Lee reviewed three Chipotle items including a steak quesadilla, a chicken al pastor bowl, and crispy tortilla chicken tacos. While he enjoyed the tacos, he expressed disappointment in the portion size and lack of flavor in the quesadilla and chicken bowl. Lee specifically pointed out the lack of chicken in the bowl and mentioned that the food seemed cold and flavorless. He also criticized the quality and quantity of the ingredients, noting that the portion size did not justify the price of the meal. These comments from Lee sparked discussions on TikTok, with users voicing their own frustrations with Chipotle’s portion sizes.
As criticism over portion sizes grew on TikTok, users began “review bombing” Chipotle, prompting some alleged employees to share that their managers were instructing them to provide larger portions to customers who had a phone. Schalow confirmed these instructions, stating that the company has reiterated proper portioning with their employees. The controversy around Chipotle’s portion sizes has raised questions about the consistency and quality of the meals offered. Customers are calling for transparency and fairness in portion sizes to ensure that they receive value for their money when dining at Chipotle.
While Chipotle has denied making any changes to their portion sizes, the feedback from customers and influencers like Keith Lee highlights the importance of maintaining consistency and quality in the food industry. The company’s reputation and customer loyalty are at stake as social media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion. By addressing concerns over portion sizes and maintaining open communication with customers, Chipotle can work towards rebuilding trust and ensuring a positive dining experience for patrons. As the fast-food chain faces criticism on social media, it will be crucial for them to listen to customer feedback and take proactive steps to address any issues related to portion sizes and food quality.
