Published Thursday, May 16, 2013 at 12:48 pm

By Jesse Wood

May 16, 2013. It looks like Chipotle Mexican Grill is opening in Boone later this year.

Currently Chipotle Mexican Grill is advertising for a general manager position to be located in Boone.

Responding to an email about the potential restaurant in Boone, Chris Arnold, communications director with Chipotle Mexican Grill, said, “Looks like there is a restaurant slated to open late this year.”

He provided no other details pertaining to a potential location. Asked if it would be located where Blockbuster, which will close at the end of May, currently exists, Arnold said Blockbuster stores are generally larger than a desired Chipotle restaurant would be.

“Our restaurants are generally around 2,000 to 2,500 square feet, so it would probably have to be divided if it was. But I don’t have details on that site yet,” Arnold said.

Another potential site would be a parcel in the Lowe’s parking lot, which is also scheduled to be developed.

In February, Columbia Development Group met with the Town of Boone Community Appearance Commission regarding a retail and restaurant development in the Lowe’s lot. The size of that proposed restaurant was listed as 2,200 square feet.

Columbia Development declined to comment as to what businesses would fill the space in February and didn’t respond to a recent message.

If Chipotle were to come to Boone, this would make at least one college student happy.

On April 26, James Fulbright, a student at ASU, posted a message on the Chipotle Mexican Grill Facebook page that stated:

“BOONE NC NEEDS CHIPOTLE. Seriously, college town, tourist town. Lots of hungry bellies with disposable income. Seriously, get a franchise here NOW NOW NOW.”

Would you like to see Chipotle Mexican Grill in Boone?