Career & Workplace
First Chipotle Mexican Grill on Tribal Lands in California Opens at Morongo
Opens at Morongo
Located in a newly constructed five-suite building, the newest Chipotle adds an exciting new option to the dining offerings at Morongo
MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION, CALIF. – Chipotle Mexican Grill, known for serving real food made with wholesome ingredients, celebrated the opening of its new restaurant on the Morongo Indian Reservation this week — the first ever Chipotle restaurant to be located on tribal lands in California.
Morongo Tribal Council members and local Chipotle team leaders gathered on Monday, Oct. 15 for a grand opening and ribbon-cutting. The celebration came just days after the restaurant crew introduced themselves to the San Gorgonio Pass community by giving away hundreds of delicious free tacos, burritos, salads and more to patrons who stopped by the new location.
“We are delighted that Chipotle has chosen the Morongo Indian Reservation for its first ever restaurant on tribal lands in California,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin. “Chipotle will be in good company with the other national brands who call Morongo home as the tribe continues to bring new jobs and new economic activity to the Pass region.”
“We’re always looking to open restaurants in areas new to Chipotle, like the Morongo Indian Reservation, where we can make it easier for residents to enjoy flavorful, customizable food that’s made with only real, fresh ingredients,” said Claire McKibben, National New Restaurant Opening Marketing Strategist at Chipotle.
Chipotle is the first of five tenants to open in a new 7,500-square-foot multi-tenant building constructed by the tribe on Morongo Trail, just off Interstate 10 freeway, beside the Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa.
Jersey Mike’s Subs, Cold Stone Creamery and Haus of Poke are set to occupy other suites at the building, which is built around a central outdoor dining patio. The project was designed by Holt Architecture and built by Moorefield Construction, which also built the neighboring Hadley Fruit Orchards flagship store.
The new commercial suites mark the latest step in Morongo’s master-planned development to expand the tribe’s retail, hospitality and service offerings along I-10 in Cabazon. In recent years, Morongo has welcomed numerous well-known brands to the reservation, including In-N-Out Burger, Starbucks, Taco Bell, and Panda Express.
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Photo Caption:
Photo #1 – Morongo Vice Chairman James Siva (center with scissors) is joined by Tribal Council members, administrators and Chipotle Mexican Grill team members to welcome the first ever Chipotle restaurant on tribal lands in California to Morongo.