Chipotle's Trendy Fajita Quesadilla Is Officially Joining The Menu
Here at Tasting Table, we're no stranger to viral TikTok recipes — and, if you identify as a self-professed "foodie," there's a good chance that you're familiar with them, too. TikTok has birthed such culinary raptures as baked feta pasta and the charcuterie facelift known as the butter board. But, even some of the social media platform's less-appetizing food creations have seen unprecedented success. TikTok's controversial "Pink Sauce" is now an official, regulated product sold at Walmart; TikTok-famous Dirty Soda (pop spiked with creamer and flavored syrups) is sold at brick-and-mortar stores around the country. And in 2021, The New York Times called TikTok "the fastest way on earth to become a food star." A study by MGH even found that 55% of TikTok users visited a restaurant after seeing its product in a video on the app. And now, Chipotle is up for a little TikTok publicity.
It all started in late 2022 when TikTok star Alexis Frost (who boasts an impressive 2.4 million followers) gave Chipotle's Steak Quesadilla with Fajita Veggies a rave review. In response, another food TikToker named Keith Lee (with a whopping 10.7 million followers) posted a video of himself trying the menu item with an added sauce "hack" — a combination of Chipotle-Honey Lime Vinaigrette and sour cream. Since then, the viral quesadilla hack has taken on a life of its own, and now, Chipotle is catering to fans' appetites.
Chipotle's trendy fajita quesadilla is officially joining the menu.
A taste of the new
Meet the new Chipotle menu item inspired by a viral TikTok trend. According to an official press release, Fajita Quesadillas are hitting the market on March 2. Customers can now add fresh fajita veggies, Monterey Jack cheese, and their choice of protein to quesadillas (barbacoa, chicken, carnitas, sofritas, or steak). As a nod to TikTokers Lee and Frost, Chipotle is launching two menu items in their honor. The "Keithadilla" is a Fajita Quesadilla with steak and, on the side, Roasted Chili-Corn Salsa, Sour Cream, and Chipotle-Honey Vinaigrette. Alexis's version is nearly identical, but instead of Chipotle-Honey Vinaigrette, it features Tomatillo Red-Chili Salsa.
It was a big deal for Chipotle to add this trendy item to its menu. The fast food chain had to do a complete digital overhaul to update Chipotle.com and the Chipotle mobile app, not to mention system-wide training of over 100,000 employees across approximately 3,200 store locations. Still, to cater to its fanbase on TikTok, the effort might be very worth it.
The power of TikTok to influence mainstream food culture is very real, and now, it's paying off for Chipotle fans in a big way.