Business & Tech
Chipotle Opening Date Set
Fans of Chipotle Mexican Grill, mark your calendars for Wednesday: That's when the popular chain eatery starts serving in north Napa—just across the parking lot from newly-opened Habit Burger, where diners are lining up for the famed Charburger.
New restaurants are drawing capacity crowds this month, with locally-owned and SoCal-founded both opening their doors to throngs of customers.
Another Napa-owned eatery, Rick Molinari's long-awaited , is preparing to open next week; he's not saying exactly when just now, but watch our site for . (Update: Molinari began serving March 25.)
Meanwhile: The latest arrival from out of town, , is set to open March 28, according to a manager who was working there Friday afternoon as new employees met for training in the brand-new restaurant.
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It's the first Wine Country outpost for the national chain, which bills itself as "the gourmet restaurant where you eat with your hands."
Right now, the closest destination for Napans who want to eat the chain's burritos, tacos and salads is Fairfield, 13 miles away.
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But beginning Wednesday, the Napa restaurant will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 1703 Trancas Street in the Napa Crossing shopping center—just across the parking lot from bustling Habit Burger, and near thebrand-new Verizon Store.
Rate your faves to help them thrive
These new restaurants join some local businesses that have been serving ethnic food on nearby California Way for years: and , both of which have their longtime fans.
So if you head out to try one of the new places and get discouraged by the line out the door (a regular sight at Habit Burger since it opened), consider stepping across the street to try one of their neighbors.
If you enjoy the food at any of our local restaurants, consider leaving them a favorable rating review on their Napa Patch Places listing: Unlike the tip you leave your server, a good rating costs you nothing, but can be a big help to the business itself.
In these tough economic times, our local merchants and newcomers alike can use every little boost they can get. So if you like a place, new or established: Consider giving it some stars on Napa Patch! Just click the highlighted name to see the Patch Places listing (see below for the perfect example).
Another contest? Yes! Practice makes perfect
Speaking of reviews, Chipotle's opening comes just in time for next week's Napa Patch Readers' Choice Awards contest for the city's best Mexican food.
It's a crowded field:
In addition to Chipotle, we have , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , /Jefferson, /Soscol, , , , , , , , and .
Phew. If we've missed a place, please let me know as soon as you can!
The contest begins at 5 a.m. Monday and ends at 9 a.m. Friday. Be ready to vote and especially to review your favorites.
The most favorable reviews will determine your winner, but every place that gets a good review will benefit.
