The historic Boomer Theater on Campus Corner will soon open its doors to Chipotle Mexican Grill, marking the first time the Norman landmark will be the home of a retail establishment.
“Right now, it’s probably looking like the Norman location will open in November,” said Chipotle communications director Chris Arnold.
The Boomer Theater was originally built in 1947, but stopped showing movies in the mid-1970s, according to the Campus Corner Merchants Association Web site. In 1985, the theater was purchased and remodeled by Harold’s Stores, Inc., which vacated the building after filing for bankruptcy last year.
Helen Wolney, Campus Corner Merchants Association president, said Chipotle should make an excellent addition to the university-based business district.
“This will be an attraction people will come to,” Wolney said. “I think it will add to the element that there are shops and restaurants down here, and not so much office-type space, which will be upstairs.”
Wolney said Chipotle likely will be a draw for many students.
“Anything that attracts students is a great place,” she said. “And any non-empty building on Campus Corner is a plus.”
Arnold said Chipotle restaurants are popular in college towns across the nation.
“Students seem to gravitate toward our restaurants because of the quality of food they get for a reasonable price,” he said.
Erika Kelly, psychology graduate student, said she grew up with Chipotle in Kansas City and is happy a location is opening in Norman.
Kelly said she likes Freebirds World Burrito as well, on the corner of White and Asp Streets at Campus Corner, but has only been there a few times.
“Freebirds has a different style, so I guess it depends on what you’re after,” Kelly said. “Sometimes, I’m not in the mood for a 10-pound burrito.”
Patrick Nesbitt, business senior, also said he is excited to eat at Chipotle’s new location.
“I’ve been to Chipotle in other cities, and I like their quesadillas,” Nesbitt said. “I’m definitely excited to go there.”
Robert Hernandez, general manager of Freebirds World Burrito in Norman, said the business will face some competition when the new Chipotle opens, but that Freebirds management is not worried.
“We’re very confident about what we do,” Hernandez said. “We have such a fanatic base, but it might affect us at the beginning. When we have a new place coming in, it always affects the surrounding businesses. It’s not like we’re hugely worried about it. We’re not too worried about what they do, but about what we do.”
Hernandez said his restaurant’s cool atmosphere and good service would give them an edge over the competition.
“We are ready for the competition,” Hernandez said. “Bring it on.”
Depending on the speed of construction and the hiring of staff, Chipotle could open anytime between October and December this year, Arnold said.
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TheJR 2 years, 10 months ago
About time. Hopefully it will fare better than Moe's did.
acsooner 2 years, 10 months ago
viva la freebirds!