Business & Tech

S.C. Locals May Be Downing Margaritas at Chipotle by Fall

The Planning Commission recommends that the planned Chipotle in the Albertsons Plaza near the high school get a full liquor license.

A new Chipotle restaurant—likely with a full liquor license—will be opening in the Plaza in as little as three months.

The San Clemente Planning Commission on Wednesday unanimously recommended approval of the popular fast-casual Mexican restaurant’s liquor license, on the condition that customers drink inside and not on the patio.

John Murray, a representative for the restaurant’s architect, said Chipotle was excited to start construction and hoped to get all the permits squared away within a couple weeks.

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Assuming there are no issues with permitting and contractors, Murray said, workers could finish outfitting the space in the plaza in about 60 days.

He told the commission that most Chipotle restaurants serve beer and wine. Chipotle requested the full license to allow it to serve margaritas.

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Many Chipotles serve alcohol on the patio, but as in the case of  Plaza, sometimes there isn’t an effective way to secure outdoor dining.

“I’m glad to see this use come in,” said Planning Commissioner Nesa Anderson. “We used to have a Mexican restaurant in that area, and they served margaritas, so they had a liquor license.”


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