"It's natural people form a bond when they share a common passion. And, we've seen that come to life through the amazing love stories shared with us over the years," said Chris Arnold, communications director at Chipotle. "This year, in the month when people celebrate or are looking for love, it's fun to show a little love back to those who have connected over their love of our food."

Zach and Julie Ertz: 'Til Guac Do Us Part
Back in college, when Philadelphia tight end Zach and U.S. Women's National Soccer team defender Julie were on the fast-track to their athletic careers, Zach took Julie to Chipotle on their first date. Because, as we all know, there's no bond stronger than a burrito. Fast forward to today, when Julie doesn't have time to make Zach's favorite tacos, the U.S. Female Soccer Player of the Year and football champion head to Chipotle for their favorite food to fuel up for big games.

Inspired by this and other Chipotle-themed love stories like Zach and Julie's, Chipotle went to the masses to uncover real-life love stories.

Here is a snapshot of a few more love stories:

• The Burrito Baby, Sarah, Mark, Caleb and Jake: Mark has always known of Sarah's love for Chipotle and knows her order by heart. During Sarah's pregnancy, it was all she craved and Mark was always there to deliver. When their son Jake celebrated his first birthday they had a Chipotle burrito smash instead of a cake smash, complete with Jake bundled up in a Chipotle onesie.

• The Burrito Bribers, Amber and Chris: Both huge fans of Chipotle, Amber and Chris had the restaurant cater their wedding! Six months later, they moved into their first house and used Chipotle as a bribe to get a group together to help them move. Of course, it worked, and they had an army of friends and family to help get out of their apartment and into their new house in less than four hours.

• An Unlikely Duo, Ian and Chipotle the Cat: A huge Chipotle fan and frequent customer, Ian was walking out of his local Chipotle in Texas when he heard a quiet meow under his car and discovered a kitten. Ian adopted the kitten and couldn't think of a better name for his new love than one of his existing loves: Chipotle.

Looking for another way to channel all that love?  Chipotle is also inviting fans to express their Chipotle love in a Haiku Contest happening Feb. 11-12. Fans who comment a haiku on Chipotle's Facebook or Instagram post, or reply to their tweet on Twitter, will have a chance to win free burritos for a year and be #Chipotlebae for the day. The haiku with the most likes on Facebook and Instagram and the most retweets on Twitter wins. The contest is two days only, so get ready to make the internet swoon.  Details and rules are available at chipotle.com/chipotbaecontest.

ABOUT CHIPOTLE
Steve Ells, founder, chairman and CEO, started Chipotle with the idea that food served fast did not have to be a typical fast food experience. Today, Chipotle continues to offer a focused menu of burritos, tacos, burrito bowls, and salads made from fresh, high-quality raw ingredients, prepared using classic cooking methods and served in an interactive style allowing people to get exactly what they want. Chipotle seeks out extraordinary ingredients that are not only fresh, but that are raised responsibly, with respect for the animals, land, and people who produce them. Chipotle prepares its food using real, whole ingredients, and is the only national restaurant brand that prepares its food using no added colors, flavors or other industrial additives typically found in fast food. Chipotle opened with a single restaurant in Denver in 1993 and now operates more than 2,400 restaurants. For more information, visit chipotle.com.

Contact: Quinn Kelsey
303.222.5948
qkelsey@chipotle.com

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SOURCE Chipotle Mexican Grill