Chipotle Will Be Giving Students Free Drinks Through September

Fast casual burrito chain Chipotle has announced that it will be giving free drinks with the purchase of any entree to students through September. This adds to a long list of freebies that Chipotle has offered to try and win back customers after several food scandals.

Keeping Students Hydrated

The offer will be valid for high school, college and home schooled students who are able to produce a valid student id. After buying an entree, students can either get a free fountain soft drink and iced tea.

The offer is not applicable on bottled beverages.

“It can be tough when the end of the summer collides with the reality of heading back to school,” said Chris Arnold, Chipotle’s communications director, in a statement. “We’re filling – and refilling – students’ cups at all Chipotle locations to celebrate the beginning of the new academic year.”

Chipotle’s Freebie Policy

Last January, Chipotle suffered a dramatic loss of customers when 60 customers got E Coli after eating at Chipotle outlets in 14 states.

To win back customers, Chipotle gave away free burritos and launched a rewards program to allow loyal customers to earn free chips and burritos.

However, recently a report circulated by the company indicated that Chipotle is unable to measure whether these freebies have actually lured back customers.

Chipotle said “Promotional offers of free food do not directly impact revenue. Furthermore, given the unusual sales trends resulting from the food borne-illness incidents, we were unable to calculate or accurately estimate any indirect impact that promotional activity had on revenue.”

Despite this, Chipotle does not appear to be slowing down its freebie game.