Burritos or Bitcoin? Unique promo at Chipotle on Thursday

By KELLY MCCARTHY, ABC News

(NEW YORK) — Just because National Burrito Day falls on April 1 doesn’t mean this Chipotle giveaway is a prank.

The fast-casual Mexican restaurant chain teamed up with tech founder Stefan Thomas, who famously lost the password to his hard drive that stored $387 million worth of Bitcoin earlier this year, for an interactive contest that will give away $100,000 in free burritos and $100,000 in Bitcoin.

“Burritos or Bitcoin” will prompt players to carry out a mock “chiptocurrency” rescue mission in which each contestant will have 10 tries to guess a correct six-digit passcode for a chance to win a free burrito or up to $25,000 in Bitcoin. If players are unsuccessful in their 10 attempts and endure the same fate as Thomas, they may be surprised and delighted with a special offer from Chipotle.

“National Burrito Day is a huge moment for Chipotle as our fans traditionally flock to our restaurants and digital platforms to order their favorites,” said Chipotle’s Chief Marketing Officer Chris Brandt.

The company always looks for “unique ways to enhance the celebration,” Brandt said, adding, “This year, we’re giving fans the opportunity to acquire two highly valuable assets.”

The contest begins at 9 a.m. PT and ends at 6 p.m. PT on April 1.

Prizes will include a free burrito for 10,000 fans, $500 in Bitcoin for 50 fans and $25,000 in Bitcoin for three fans.

This occasion makes Chipotle the first U.S. restaurant brand to offer a cryptocurrency giveaway to consumers.

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