SMU students, faculty and staff wait for free food at the Chipotle Mexican Grill at McKinney and Armstrong Avenues Tuesday evening. Chipotle gave away free burritos and burrito bowls as a thank you to the SMU community. (Michael Danser)

A line of SMU students could be seen entwining the new Chipotle Mexican Grill on McKinney and Armstrong Avenues Wednesday afternoon for the free burrito and burrito bowl giveaway.

Nearly 1,900 people showed up for the event, a number that surprised local store marketing consultant Colin Burns.

“The turnout was a little bit better than we expected,” said Burns.

Burns explained that the entire event went off without a hitch. While they doled out at least 400 pounds of meat, they had enough to feed each and every hungry customer.

But why did Chipotle, a notoriously “green” company, decide to treat so many SMUers on Earth Day? Burns said it is simply because SMU loves Chipotle.

“SMU students, faculty and staff have been big supporters of the Chipotle [off of I-75] so this is our thank you,” said Burns.

One reason Burns thinks students are so drawn to Chipotle is because half of the meat served is naturally raised. The burrito bowls are made from 99 percent recycled newspaper and cartons, and the frying oil used is trans-fat free, according to Chipotle.

Burns said that all in all, the day was a complete success.

“It was a lot of fun,” Burns said. “I just talked to the crew and they had a blast.”