Chipotle Brings Back Carne Asada, Offers BOGO Deal for College Football Fans

Chipotle is bringing back its popular Carne Asada menu item in the US and Canada for a limited time, starting September 4. According to Google search history, it was the most-searched menu item and second-most searched limited time offering among national restaurant brands. The company is also offering a BOGO free entrée deal on September 15 to customers wearing college football jerseys in US restaurants. Additionally, Chipotle will be featured in EA SPORTS College Football 26's "Road to Glory" mode, allowing players to sign an NIL deal with the company.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) has announced the return of its highly anticipated Carne Asada menu item, starting September 4, 2025, in the U.S. and Canada for a limited time. The protein option, which was Chipotle's most-searched menu item and the second-most searched limited-time offering among national restaurant brands, features tender steak with lime and cilantro, containing 29 grams of protein per serving [1].

To celebrate football season, Chipotle is offering a BOGO promotion on September 15 after 5 PM for customers wearing college football jerseys. Additionally, the company has partnered with EA SPORTS™ College Football 26, integrating Carne Asada promotions into the game's "Road to Glory" mode. The launch also includes a $0 delivery fee promotion for Carne Asada orders from September 8-30.

The return of the Carne Asada item coincides with a strong performance in the gaming market. In July 2025, Americans spent a total of $5.05 billion on video games, gaming hardware, and accessories, a 5% increase compared to the same period last year [2]. EA Sports College Football 26, which features the Carne Asada promotion, performed exceptionally well, securing the third spot in the sales ranking for the year to date.

The gaming market's growth, particularly in hardware sales, may contribute to Chipotle's promotional success. Nintendo Switch 2 sales increased by 21% in July, with the console becoming the top bestseller [2]. This surge in gaming hardware sales could indicate a broader trend in consumer spending on leisure activities, potentially benefiting Chipotle's promotional efforts.

References:
[1] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/CMG/a-carne-asada-comeback-chipotle-s-most-searched-menu-item-returns-k2nb3iup8dkj.html
[2] https://gameworldobserver.com/2025/08/27/in-july-the-revenue-of-the-us-gaming-market-exceeded-5-billion-with-the-main-hit-of-the-month-being-ea-sports-college-football-26