Pocatello residents will get their first taste of Chipotle Mexican Grill when the national fast-casual chain opens its doors at 299 E. Alameda Road on Tuesday, June 30.
The new location, situated near WinCo and Fred Meyer on the city’s east side, will operate daily from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. and includes a Chipotlane — the company’s dedicated drive-thru lane designed exclusively for mobile order pickup.
The Pocatello opening comes just weeks after a Chipotle location debuted in Idaho Falls earlier this month, marking a rapid expansion across eastern Idaho for the Denver-based chain. Both eastern Idaho restaurants came online within the same month, signaling the company’s growing interest in the region’s market.
Each location is expected to employ roughly 30 workers, and both the Pocatello and Idaho Falls stores are currently hiring. Job seekers interested in positions at either restaurant can apply through Chipotle’s careers page.
What the Chipotlane Means for Pocatello Customers
The Chipotlane drive-thru is not a traditional fast-food window where customers place orders at a speaker. Instead, it is designed for customers who place orders in advance through the Chipotle app or website, then drive up to collect their food without entering the restaurant. The format has become a standard feature for newer Chipotle builds across the country, offering a faster experience for digital customers while keeping in-restaurant traffic manageable.
For a city the size of Pocatello, the addition of a Chipotle represents a notable expansion of the local dining scene. The east Alameda corridor, anchored by major grocery retailers, draws steady traffic from across Bannock County, giving the new restaurant a strong built-in customer base.
What Comes Next
With two eastern Idaho locations now open or opening imminently, Chipotle’s footprint in the region is expanding quickly. Residents in Pocatello and Chubbuck looking for employment can expect hiring activity at the new store to continue through the summer as the restaurant ramps up operations. Those interested in grabbing a meal on opening day, June 30, can expect the doors to open at 10:45 a.m. at 299 E. Alameda Road.
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