A new TikTok trend has led users to film Chipotle workers while they prepare burritos, bowls, and tacos, aiming to catch them skimping on portions. However, this approach might backfire, resulting in even smaller servings.
Influencers like Keith Lee and Jack Goldburg have shared videos alleging that Chipotle is serving smaller portions. In response, the chain denied instructing workers to reduce portion sizes. Now, many employees are voicing their concerns about the aggressive trend on social media.
Atulya Dora-Laskey, a Chipotle employee in Lansing, Michigan, expressed to The Guardian that being filmed is highly stressful. “It’s immediately anxiety-inducing for my co-workers and me,” Dora-Laskey said. “It’s very stressful and dehumanizing.”
Contrary to some customers’ beliefs, filming doesn’t result in larger portions. Instead, it makes employees more likely to stick strictly to Chipotle’s portion guidelines. “We actually go lighter on portions because we don’t want to be on the record violating Chipotle’s proportion policy,” Dora-Laskey explained. Employees risk disciplinary action if they exceed the prescribed portion sizes.
Other Chipotle workers have shared similar sentiments on Reddit, urging customers to stop recording them. “Please stop shoving phones in our faces,” one worker pleaded. “Chipotle gets so much free publicity off of this, and it makes us employees seem like zoo animals behind glass.”
The pressure from corporate policies also contributes to the issue. “We get b—-ed at by corporate if we give out too much,” another employee commented.
Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol has addressed the filming trend, suggesting that customers can receive extra portions by simply asking. A company representative told The New York Times, “Filming does not result in larger portion sizes.”
In summary, filming Chipotle workers in hopes of getting more food is not only ineffective but also adds stress to the employees. It’s better to ask politely if you want extra servings.