Fast food that's good for you and the planet

July 10, 4:12 PMChicago Cheap Eats ExaminerJacky Runice

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 Chipotle Mexican Grill  not only boasts 62 restaurants in Chicagoland, it has been awarded Platinum level LEED® certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for its Gurnee, Ill. restaurant.

Some restaurants put their money where there bocas are.

The Gurnee, IL Chipotle restaurant opened in the fall of 2008 and was designed to achieve LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use.

Other reasons to heart the chain? Chipotle is the first national restaurant company to insist that their farmers raise their animals without antibiotics or hormones, eat a vegetarian diet and are cage free.

Chicken and pork used at the restaurant is 100% naturally raised; beef comes in at around 65 per cent.

Last year Chipotle committed to using locally sourced produce and its commitment grew from 25% last year to 35% for 2009.

The CEO is a classically trained chef and runs the entire company on a “Food with Integrity” philosophy. For example, the restaurant uses romaine lettuce even though iceberg would suffice and it uses Niman Ranch product for its carnitas. In other words, high end ingredients in affordable, tasty food. Read about it here.

While national brands slash jobs, Chipotle plans to hire 20,000 additional employees this year.

So, when you’re sinking your teeth into that burrito delicioso, know that you’re doing your body a good turn, as well as the globe.

Chipotle - Gurnee Mills
6040 Gurnee Mills Blvd East
Gurnee, IL 60031
(847) 406-4003