December 17th, 2008 | 
Author: Occasionally, when I am at Chipotle and I get a burrito ‘to go’, I will stuff a bottle of the Chipotle Tabasco sauce in my bag and abscond with it.
My esteemed colleague, Joe, has indicated to me that this is theft, and that I am a thief. And furthermore, he intends to “drop a dime” upon my backside and inform the authorities.
I retort that my action is akin to taking a bunch of ketchup packets, horsey sauce, etc from the condiment stand, and thus, is not theft!
So which is it? Submit your treatise of the subject below.
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I think it’s time Chipotle goes the Wendy’s-Ketchup-spigot route.
It is theft, but it is justified. Your $6 burrito was worth 50 cents in material, so they probably could buy three bottles of Tobasco off of the profit from your burrito.
The real question is, why would you want that Tobasco? High school kids do bad things to Chipotle gear. That bottle has been places never meant to be touched by gloveless fingers.
Why not take a table and a couple of chairs before you leave while your at it to have something to sit on at home when you eat the burrito. Not only is it stealing, its REALLY cheap!HaHa
Joe Ferg, as usual you come down on the right side of the issue!
No real need to speak on this any further. Theft is theft.
Theiiiif.
If I came to your house for dinner, and I put the salt shaker in my purse – would you say I stole it? Would you make sure all your favorite CD’s were in a safe location next time I was at your house?
That’s my Nephew (the crook)!
Bob Dole next time you go to them mexiCAN places you need to take TWO bottles. TAKE TWO BOB DOLE!
Taking a condiment from a restaurant and stealing CD’s from my house? That’s apples-to-oranges!
Well not really that is asparagus to onions.
yep
OKAY! He got the idea from me actually. I went to chipotle one day and I was putting the tibasco sauce on our food before leaving. A manager saw me and told me if the bottle is used and I plan on using the rest to feel free and take it. So because Matt and I both use it on our food I take a used one everytime. But I have recently asked for a bottle at the counter and recieved a full one for free. THEY ARE FREE. People just don’t ask. You’ll never know what is free until you ask.
I agree that they over charge you for the crap they just threw together in a chincy little tortilla type shell, so why not take the $.75 bottle of tabasco that they probably get for free for surving that brand in their restaurants!
Of course its not theft. And while you are at it, steal the toilet paper roll out of the rest room. The restaurant put it there for the customers, after all, and you are a customer. And when you are done digesting that meal at home, you will need it.
It’s not theft. To resolve this once and for all let’s all take a look at the definition of condiment.
condiment – a preparation (a sauce or relish or spice) to enhance flavor or enjoyment; "mustard, ketchup and Tabasco are all condiments"
Unless the restaurant posts a cost for the condiment, it is in fact FREE for our use. Unless the restaurant posts a limitation of use for the condiment, you can use as much as you’d like to reach the desired taste.
Chipotle put Guacamole on the menu at $1.80. Therefore, reaching over the counter and spooning some on your food while the cashier isn’t paying attention would be theft. However, they do not request payment for the Tabasco, Chipotle Tabasco, Salt, Pepper, Lemons or Limes, therefore they are legally FREE.
I always try to take a half-empty bottle if there is one available out of common courtesy and respect. I once put a half empty bottle in my bag and walked out and a police officer came chasing me out of the restaurant threatening to arrest me. I argued my case and, he called me a dumb ass and let me go on my way. I make five times the salary of a brain washed police officer and understand the definition of condiment, so who’s really the dumb ass? I know he felt stupid. It’s okay, just about 25 years left for the pension I hope he dies before he gets.
Conclusion – It’s not stealing and don’t let anyone tell you it is including a scum pig. If you intend on using a whole bottle of chipotle sause, I advise you take what you need.
Thanks, Justin, but you aren’t really helping my case by berating police officers (even though I don’t believe your story).
true story but I guess it is a little hard to believe. lol. Then again, have you ever been to a chipotle without at least 3 cops inside? They must get a discount or something.
and just for the link juice…
thx btw