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Chipotle opens new Sacramento-area spot with drive-thru. How to get free food

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 24: A Chipotle logo is displayed outside their restaurant on February 24, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 24: A Chipotle logo is displayed outside their restaurant on February 24, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images) Kevin Carter/Getty

Chipotle Mexican Grill just opened a new location in the Sacramento area — and it’s serving up a limited-edition menu item.

The restaurant opened its doors at Fulton Avenue in Arden Arcade on Friday, July 18, the company said in a news release.

Chipotle Mexican Grill specializes in “making food fresh every day,” with no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, the restaurant chain said on its website.

Here’s what to know:

Chipotle Mexican Grill is opening at 2795 Fulton Ave. in Sacramento at the former location of Carl’s Jr. in the summer of 2025.
Chipotle Mexican Grill is opening at 2795 Fulton Ave. in Sacramento at the former location of Carl’s Jr. in the summer of 2025. Daniel Hunt dhunt@sacbee.com

Where is new Chipotle location in Sacramento area?

Chipotle’s newest Sacramento-area location is at 2795 Fulton Ave. in Arden Arcade at the former site of Carl’s Jr. fast-food reference.

The restaurant is between Assistance League of Sacramento thrift store and Jala Auto Sales used car dealership.

The new Chipotle features the chain’s signature “Chipotlane,” a drive-thru lane that “allows guests to conveniently pick up digital orders without leaving their cars,” the release said.

Which hours is Chipotle open?

The new Chipotle is open daily from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m.

An array of menu items available at Chipotle Mexican Grill, including bowls, a quesadilla and tortilla chips.
An array of menu items available at Chipotle Mexican Grill, including bowls, a quesadilla and tortilla chips. Chipotle Mexican Grill

What’s on the menu at Chipotle Mexican Grill?

Chipotle Mexican Grill’s menu features customizable burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, salads and tacos.

Customers can choose from protein options including chicken, steak, beef barbacoa and carnitas, as well as rice, beans, guacamole, sour cream and fresh tomato salsa.

Side dishes include chips, guacamole and queso blanco, and drink options include watermelon limeade, lemonade and agua fresca.

You can also get bottled Mexican sodas and fountain drinks.

A steak burrito at Chipotle Mexican Grill.
A steak burrito at Chipotle Mexican Grill. Beth Galton Courtesy of Chipotle Mexican Grill

What’s new limited-edition menu item?

Chipotle Mexican Grill is adding a new dip — adobo ranch, described as a creamy dressing with a “perfect spicy kick” — to its menu for a limited time, according to the release.

It’s the first time Chipotle has introduced a new dip since launching queso blanco nationwide in 2020.

Adobo ranch will be available at the new Fulton Avenue location.

Team members prepare food at Chipotle Mexican Grill.
Team members prepare food at Chipotle Mexican Grill. Kelly Lee Courtesy of Chipotle Mexican Grill

Is local restaurant hiring employees?

According to the release, Chipotle is looking to hire approximately 30 people to work at its newest Sacramento-area location.

Pay for part-time crew members in California starts at $20 per hour, and employees are eligible for digital tips, according to Indeed.com and Chipotle.com.

Wages may vary depending on workers’ skill level, experience and education.

According to the Chipotle website, the chain provides competitive benefits for potential employees, including:

  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Retirement savings matching
  • Access to mental health care for employees
  • A $200 referral bonus for employees who refer a crew member and a $750 referral bonus for employees who refer an apprentice or general manager

You can find more information at chipotle.com/careers.

A chicken bowl with guacamole at Chipotle Mexican Grill.
A chicken bowl with guacamole at Chipotle Mexican Grill. Courtesy of Chipotle Mexican Grill

How can I get free Mexican food at Chipotle?

Customers can download the Chipotle Rewards app online to track points, redeem rewards and get free food.

You can trade in points for entrees, drinks and sides including tortilla chips and guacamole.

In 2025, Chipotle’s Summer of Extras program is giving away $1 million worth of free food to Chipotle Rewards members — including 10,000 free burritos every week through Sunday Aug. 31, the release said.

Fans can sign up for Chipotle Rewards and opt into “Summer of Extras” to start earning freebies.

Crispy tacos at Chipotle Mexican Grill.
Crispy tacos at Chipotle Mexican Grill. Beth Galton Courtesy of Chipotle Mexican Grill

Where are Chipotle locations near me in Sacramento?

As of Wednesday, there were 14 Chipotle locations open in Sacramento. Here’s where to find them:

  • 1601 Broadway
  • 1831 Capitol Ave.
  • 2650 Arena Blvd.
  • 3302 Arden Way
  • 3830 Truxel Road
  • 5040 Auburn Blvd.
  • 615 David J. Stern Walk
  • 1729 Howe Ave.
  • 2517 Fair Oaks Blvd.
  • 2800 Del Paso Road
  • 3328 El Camino Ave.
  • 4001 Freeport Blvd.
  • 5738 Folsom Blvd.
  • 8124 Delta Shores Circle South

This story was originally published July 18, 2025 at 11:30 AM.

Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
The Sacramento Bee
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado is a service journalism reporter at The Sacramento Bee. She previously worked at the Star Democrat in Annapolis, Maryland. Veronica graduated from Georgetown University with a master’s degree in journalism.
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