Chipotle Launches Vegan Sofritas Burrito in San Francisco Bay Area

Update October 21, 2013: Chipotle has launched their East Coast test of tofu Sofritas in Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Richmond. The chain claims that this new vegan option will make “vegans and carnivores unite.” The recipe for pinto beans has also been modified to be vegan just like the black beans. If you’re excited to see an expanded vegan menu at Chipotle, contact the company to thank them.

Update July 24, 2013: Chipotle has expanded their tofu option to all of California, and Sofritas now account for four to five percent of sales in the state. They’ve also recently announced they will bring tofu to the Pacific Northwest this month, and will consider additional markets this fall.

Starting February 12, seven select San Francisco-area Chipotle restaurants will begin offering new vegan Sofritas for burritos, tacos, bowls and salads. (See the list of stores below).

What exactly is Sofritas?  It’s shredded tofu (non-GMO from Hodo Soy Beanery) braised with chipotle chiles, roasted poblano peppers and spices. While it was developed specifically to cater the growing number of vegetarian and vegan diners, the company believes it will have a broader appeal to all customers. In fact, with enough sales and positive feedback of these new options, the company may decide to expand this vegan menu to more stores across the country.

Chipotle’s decision to test out this hearty, animal-friendly menu further illustrates the increasing consumer demand for more meat-free options. Last year, select Subway stores offered a vegan test menu featuring three new sandwiches that were so popular, the options sold out within a few short weeks.

If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, visit one of these locations with your friends and family to try Sofritas:

• 525 Market in San Francisco
• 121 Fourth St. in San Francisco
• 126 New Montgomery in San Francisco
• 2019 Chess Drive in San Mateo
• 251 East 3^rd Ave. in San Mateo
• 180 El Camino Real in Palo Alto
• 135 El Camino Real in Millbrae

Don’t live in or near San Francisco? You can still share your feedback: contact the company to thank them for testing this new vegan menu and let them know Chipotle customers everywhere want Sofritas.