Coming Soon: Chipotle at 71 Spring Street

In due course, the outdoor mall center that is SoHo is poised to receive a food-court eatery. 71 Spring Street, briefly occupied by Beba (one year) is changing cuisines from Mediterranean to fast-food Mexican. That’s right, neighbors, get ready; a Chipotle is in your midst. Big corporate brands are definitely shifting eastward from Broadway central, thanks in part to the massive Duane Reade up the bend at 225 Lafayette.

According to the SLA docket for Community Board 2, Chipotle is seeking an on-premise liquor license for its newest establishment. Surprising, especially given that most of their locations only serve suds. Representatives will appear before the board Thursday evening.

When looking at the coverage map on the official website, Chipotle sure has a sizable foothold on downtown. 71 Spring is not yet included. Nevertheless, it seems there’s plenty of opportunity for this franchise to expand across the neighborhood.  Perhaps it’ll become a showdown between Chipotle and Subway.  Let’s hope not.