Chipotle says customers always 'steal' one item after working out hilariously simple loophole

Restaurants that provide self-serving drinks taps all have their own methods of tracking whether eligible customers are making use of them and whether any morally-questionable individuals are robbing them blind.

Nando’s gives out particular glasses for use on the machines but, short of a 24-hour security taskforce watching every table like hawks, canny customers don’t have to try too hard to sneak themselves some ill-gotten Sprite.

With that in mind, some brands figure that, if they’re going to offer self-service taps, a bit of robbery is nigh-impossible to avoid. US brand Chipotle, with a slew of branches in the UK, has taken to social media to share that, really, it isn’t too bothered by all the soda thefts.

Known for its Mexican-inspired cuisines, like burritos and tacos et al, Chipotle leans into an irreverent brand of social media akin to king-of-the-corporate-edgelords Wendy’s, and it took to X to joke about its regular run-ins with drink dispenser bandits.

Posting on X via @chipotletweets, Chipotle noted that its customers are probably stealing lemonade more often than note. The old trick goes that they ask for a water cup and then make a covert trip to the drinks dispenser where they fill up on lemonade rather than the specified H2O.

“The venn diagram of people who steal lemonade in our water cups and people who breathe oxygen is a circle," it said, attaching an image of two circles that are almost perfectly laid over each other.

As mentioned, Chipotle’s known for its comic chops on social media, so it’s unlikely the brand is throwing any genuine shade at its customers.

"At least you guys have accepted that reality of the situation and can make light of it proud of you,” said one comment on the post.

"We joke to get through the pain," Chipotle replied.

One user suggested: "Why not just make the lemonade free at this point?"

Another quipped: "I haven't done this since high school but imma do it next time I go to Chipotle.”

Hopefully it goes without saying that we at FOODBible do not endorse theft of any kind, regardless of how laidback Chipotle seems to be about the whole thing.

Despite its Mexico-adjacent menu, Chipotle has until recently been absent south of the US border. On April 21st 2025, the chain announced it would be opening its first Chipotle Mexican Grill in Mexico. It’s due to open in early 2026.

“The country’s familiarity with our ingredients and affinity for fresh food make it an attractive growth market for our company," said Nate Lawton, Chipotle’s chief business development officer, in a statement.

In other words: Mexican food is popular in Mexico. Go figure.