'Y'all Ain't Scamming Me Today': TikTokers Turn Cameras On Chipotle

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Is Chipotle ready for its close up? That’s what TikTokers are trying to determine as customers film their orders being served at the fast-casual chain with the intent of pressuring workers to give them larger portion sizes.

The new trend follows speculation last month on the social media app that servings at Chipotle have gotten smaller.

“I used to love Chipotle,” food reviewer Keith Lee told his 16.3 million followers May 3, adding the chain had “not hit the same” lately and that “portions been crazy low.”

Drew Polenske, who has 2.6 million followers, shared a similar sentiment the same day.

“I am sick and tired of the Chipotle portion sizes, and it needs to change,” he said. “You remember peak Chipotle, you know how they used to load those bowls up.”

TikTokers took the sentiment to heart. On May 15, a user with the handle holy_owen shared a video of a worker serving him as a steak burrito. Unsatisfied with the portion, he says, “Just forget it,” and walks out.

On May 25, Angel Jimenez went to the restaurant in full influencer mode, with a ringlight in tow, remarking, “Y’all ain’t scamming me today." After he is served a heaping bowl with large portions, he notes, “It worked,” while an employee chimes in, “That’s how I make all my bowls.”

Chipotle even got in on the trend, posting a TikTok with the text, “POV u work at Chipotle rn” overlaid on a video of a crowd holding up cellphones superimposed over an image of an ordering station at the restaurant.

CEO Brian Niccol also weighed in on the situation in a TikTok for Fortune, stating, “The portions have not gotten smaller,” adding that those who want more of an ingredient can give a head nod signifying their request. A double serving of meat, however, does come at an added cost.

Niccol is not a fan of the TikTok trend, he told CNBC.

“It actually, kind of, really bums me out when people, frankly, do this videoing thing,” he said to the outlet, adding he feels recording workers is “a little rude.”

As for the speculation that servings at Chipotle are now smaller, Chief Corporate Affairs and Food Safety Officer Laurie Schalow told People that “there have been no changes” but that Chipotle has “reinforced proper portioning with our employees.”