Chipotle Catering Guide: Menu, Reviews, and How It Compares (2026)

Chipotle Mexican Grill is one of the most recognizable names in fast-casual Mexican food—and a frequent go-to for office lunches, corporate meetings, and casual group events. This guide breaks down Chipotle catering prices, menu options, reviews, limitations, and how it compares to better-performing catering alternatives for offices.

Chipotle Catering Menu (2026 Update)

Chipotle catering is built for groups of 6+ people, with simplified packages designed to scale quickly.

Build Your Own Spread

• Starting at $8.75 per person
• Guests choose proteins, bases (white or brown rice, black or pinto beans, lettuce), salsas, toppings, and tortillas for bowls, tacos, or burritos
• Includes serving utensils, napkins, and warming dishes
• This is Chipotle’s most popular catering option—and the safest choice for offices with mixed preferences.

Burritos by the Box

• $8.75 per person (minimum 6 people)
• Pre-made burritos with diverse fillings, accompanied by chips and salsa
• Minimum order for six people
• CaterCow Pro Tip: Most people expect to customize their Chipotle order. Pre-made burritos often lead to mismatches and leftovers—especially in offices. For teams, the Build Your Own Spread performs better.

Chips & Salsa

• Available as an add-on in multiple tray sizes
• Signature Chipotle chips with assorted salsa choices

Chipotle Catering Prices

Chipotle's catering prices are consistent nation-wide with little variation across markets like NYC or LA.

A minimum order size applies to most packages-typically 6 for smaller spreads and 20 for larger protein options. Feeding 20 people with a Double Protein Build Your Own Spread would cost $240 before taxes and extras.

For smaller groups, “Burritos by the Box” is the most cost-effective. On the other hand, larger events benefit from the “Build Your Own” spreads, which allow guests to assemble their own bowls, tacos, or salads with a variety of proteins and toppings.

One thing we appreciate at CaterCow, is a solid food label. This helps make distribution easy when ordering for a group. Chipotle does a solid job with individual labels showing contents and names, which helps with distribution.

Chipotle Catering Reviews: What Customers Are Saying

Customers generally give positive feedback about Chipotle catering, highlighting:

• Food Quality: Many reviews praise the freshness, taste, and portion sizes.
• Convenience: Ordering is straightforward, making it a favorite for busy event planners.

Common complaints:

• Higher Cost: Catering prices can exceed individual meal costs, especially for smaller groups.
• Limited Customization: Catering packages may restrict the number of bases, toppings, and salsa options compared to individual restaurant orders.
• 24 Hour Notice: Not ideal if you have a last-minute need--for same day catering orders, CaterCow offers a variety of Mexican options.

For same-day Mexican catering or more variety, many offices use CaterCow to source from multiple local mexican restaurants instead of relying on a single chain.

Chipotle vs. Qdoba: Catering Comparison

Pricing Comparison

• Qdoba typically offers lower-priced catering packages, often including free guacamole and queso.
• Chipotle pricing is higher but emphasizes quality ingredients and consistent taste.

Food Quality & Menu Options

• Customers frequently prefer Chipotle’s chicken and guacamole over competitors.
• Qdoba is praised for their seasoned rice and free extras.

Regional Differences in Chipotle Catering

Chipotle mexican catering generally remains consistent nationwide. However, regional promotions or minor menu variations based on local preferences and ingredient availability may occur. Always confirm with your local Chipotle for precise offerings.

Chipotle Catering vs. Regular Chipotle Orders: Key Nuances

When ordering Chipotle catering, keep these key differences in mind:

Advance Notice Required

• Catering requires at least 24-hour notice, while regular orders can be placed immediately.

Reduced Customization

• Catering options typically offer fewer combinations of proteins, toppings, and sides compared to in-store individual orders.

Portioning & Pricing Structure

• Catering portions are designed for groups and priced per person, potentially increasing per-person costs compared to individual restaurant orders.

Final Verdict: Is Chipotle Catering Worth It?

Chipotle catering is an excellent choice for events needing quality, flavorful Mexican food with minimal hassle. Despite its slightly higher cost compared to competitors like Qdoba, Chipotle's reliable quality and simplicity continue to make it a popular catering option. If you are looking for a discount on Chipotle catering, look no further than these Chipotle offer codes which will give you a Chipotle gift card.

Chipotle Alternative for Offices

While Chipotle is often the default choice for office catering, many teams outgrow it quickly as order sizes increase or needs become more complex. Offices looking for better portion consistency, cleaner setup, and formats that work for hybrid teams often turn to alternatives like Mexican buffets, build-your-own taco bars, and burrito bowl spreads that offer the same familiarity with more structure. Individually packaged taco boxes solve Chipotle’s biggest pain point—meal organization—while fajita platters, tamales, and torta trays provide hearty, crowd-friendly options that travel well and stay warm. For offices ordering weekly, rotating taco planners help avoid menu fatigue without adding administrative overhead. The best Chipotle catering alternatives aren’t about being more upscale—they’re about reliability, clarity, and designing meals that actually work in an office environment. For a deeper breakdown of these options and when to use each, see our full guide to the best Chipotle catering alternatives for offices.