Sick and Roll: NBA Players Pledge Their Loyalty to Chipotle
If you think times are tough for Chipotle, just try being one of the chain’s biggest fans.
In case you haven’t heard, the beloved burrito spot is temporarily shutting down their restaurants on February 8 to discuss food safety with their employees (yes, you have to be there, Greg) following outbreaks of E. coli and norovirus that affected over 500 people in 2015. To make matters worse, the chain is also reportedly being sued for covering up an outbreak in California and the value of their stock has plummeted in recent months – although, there has been a slight rebound this week.
And speaking of rebounds, while the rest of the world wonders if there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, several NBA players are sticking by the chain through these difficult times. Does it help that their celebrity cards grant them a free burrito a day? Sure. But that’s not the only reason they keep going back.
“I’m not worried; I’ll be alright,” Bucks center John Henson told Sporting News. “I actually like it more now because the lines aren’t as long.”
Ah, yes, the shorter lines. Chipotle is even giving away more food for free in an attempt to bring customers back. Unfortunately for Henson, though, that’s not enough to convince his squad to have Chipotle cater team events.
“We wanted to do a Chipotle catering thing,” he said. “But [the Bucks’ team nutritionist] said, ‘I can’t do that. What if y’all get sick? I’ll take the fall.'”
Henson isn’t alone, either. Hornets rookie Frank Kaminsky has previously pledged to stick with Chipotle “for better or for worse, in sickness and in health” and Warriors forward Harrison Barnes says he’s staying strong for the chain. It’s going to take a lot more than three loyal NBA players to get them back on track, but it’s a start.