JS
Joshua Sabalie
May 28, 2026
I have been eating at Chipotle since I was about 18 years old, and I’m now almost 31. One of the reasons I’ve always appreciated Chipotle is that it offers healthier food options that are difficult to find elsewhere. However, over the years, I developed a hesitation toward eating at many Chipotle locations because I frequently experienced undercooked rice. What made it worse was that when I brought the issue to the attention of staff at other locations, I was often met with resistance, dismissed, or made to feel as though the problem didn’t exist. As a customer, that can be frustrating and embarrassing.
When a new Chipotle opened near my home, my wife encouraged me several times to give it a chance. Eventually, I agreed. Initially, everything was great, but after the store became busier, I once again encountered undercooked rice. At that moment, it felt like I was reliving the same experience that had pushed me away from other Chipotle locations, and I was prepared to stop coming altogether.
Then I met Zaira Gorgas.
Zaira immediately took my concern seriously, addressed the issue professionally, and had our meals remade with properly cooked rice. She didn’t argue, dismiss my concern, or make me feel uncomfortable. Instead, she demonstrated genuine care for both the customer experience and the quality of the food being served.
Since then, every interaction I’ve had with her has been exceptional. She carries herself as if this location is her own business. She takes ownership, cares about the customers, and consistently goes above and beyond to ensure people leave satisfied. That level of pride, accountability, and customer service is incredibly rare.
I own my own electrical company, so I understand firsthand how difficult it is to find employees who treat a business as if it were their own. Zaira does exactly that. Her professionalism, leadership, attention to detail, and commitment to customer satisfaction are qualities that every company hopes to find in a team member.
In fact, I often find myself waiting until I get home after a long day on the road so I can eat at this specific Chipotle location instead of stopping at another one. A large part of that decision comes down to the consistency, service, and confidence I have when Zaira is there.
If she is not already managing this location, I genuinely believe she should be considered for a leadership position. Employees like Zaira are the reason customers return, and they are the reason businesses build lasting reputations.
Thank you, Zaira, for your outstanding customer service, professionalism, and dedication. You have turned what was once a frustrating experience into one of the reasons I continue coming back.