Chipotle Will Open on Magazine Street After Backing Out, Getting Sued

Last spring, burrito mega-chain Chipotle backed out of its heavily-contested plans to open a restaurant in the Garden District, subsequently landing in court when the building’s owners sued for damages. Now, having settled the suit out of court earlier this year, Chipotle has resumed work on the Magazine Street address with an projected opening of this summer, reports the Advocate.

Chipotle gained approval at the beginning of 2018 from city planners after months of wrangling with neighbors fearful of a national chain’s impact on the Uptown neighborhood and the “cultural potency” of Magazine Street. A lawsuit filed a few months later by Chipotle’s would-be landlord, 2801 Magazine, LLC, indicated the fast-food restaurant had bailed, arguing that a “good-neighbor” agreement that had been reached to pave way for approval had lowered the building’s value.

Now that renovations at 2801 Magazine have resumed, the Garden District Chipotle will be the first in New Orleans proper, joining area locations in Metairie and Harahan.

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• Chipotle Backs Out Of Plans For Magazine Street Location [ENOLA]
• With lawsuit resolved, Chipotle once again rolling into Garden District spot in New Orleans [ADVOCATE]
• Chipotle wins final approval from City Council for Magazine Street location [UPTOWNMESSENGER]
• Chipotle agrees to ‘fast food’ moniker to appease Garden District neighbors [UPTOWNMESSENGER]