We had a busy day yesterday! I was up at 5 AM to get my miles in, had a CPR/AED class at 9 AM, picked up Jon from school early to take him to lunch and then to get take his driver’s license test, and then took Hannah to a doctor appointment. I figured I would treat Jon to Chipotle for lunch since it is his favorite place to eat and there was one on the way to the exam station.
Chipotle locations are not hard to find in Central Ohio. There are 3 locations that I frequent on a regular basis and they are all about the same distance from my house, it just depends on where else I have to go. The location we went to yesterday was new to us, located on US 23/Columbus Pike in Delaware, Ohio.
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I began my order as I always do, by asking the employee taking orders to change her gloves. Then I saw something I had never seen before – the entire line stopped what they were doing, they changed gloves and washed their hands. Then, they removed all of the spoons and tongs from the food on the line & wiped down the line. I asked if they do this every time someone asks for gluten-free and was informed that this standard operating procedure anytime someone comes in with any kind of food allergy (though we all know that Celiac Disease is not an allergy). I was uber impressed! I have had many great experiences at Chipotle restaurants in the past, but most times the person making my food will change gloves and wash their hands and then be the only person to handle my order.
Though restaurant was not overly busy at the time – there were 2 people in line ahead of us – and those people had to wait while the staff performed the safety procedures. I thanked them for their patience and the staff gave them their drinks and chips “on the house”.
I love to sing the praises about experiences like the one I had yesterday! I love to educate others on Celiac Disease how to keep us safe – a few employees were asking about the gluten-free diet and Celiac Disease and what it entailed. I would love to see the other Chipotle locations adopt these practices as an effort to minimize cross-contamination risks.
Thanks to all who entered my Sharkies giveaway! Please check here to see if you are the lucky winner!
