Davis Square is about to get a bit spicier.
Chipotle Mexican Grill is opening a new restaurant in the square this week, and the new branch will be holding a pre-opening fundraiser for the Tufts Community Union (TCU) Senate on Thursday. Its regular opening will come the day after.
Chipotle spokesperson Katherine Smith said that for more than eight years the company has been doing fundraisers and promotional days to celebrate new stores' openings.
"What we like to do is a fundraiser; it's a nice thing to do for the community. It lets them know that we want to be a part of the community, and we're serious about that," she said.
According to TCU President Neil DiBiase, Chipotle approached the Senate about a month ago inquiring about the possibility of holding an event.
"One of their big things is community investment," he said. "We thought it was a great opportunity."
Sophomore Senator Scott Silverman, the chair of the body's student outreach committee, said the restaurant "wanted to work with Tufts to get their name out there and do something for the community."
Students attending the event will pay $5 for a meal, and all of the funds will go to the Senate.
Silverman, who is coordinating the event, said the money will then go "right back to the student body" through a newly created fund to benefit student outreach.
DiBiase hopes the fundraiser will draw between 200 and 300 people. "We're excited about them opening," he said. "More choice for our students is always better."
Silverman agreed. "A lot of students really enjoy the restaurant," he said.
To publicize the event, Silverman has created a Facebook.com group, and the Senate has placed fliers and posters around campus.
The new store will be located at 270-276 Elm St. in Davis Square. It will be part of a chain of more than 640 restaurants. There is currently a Chipotle in Medford, and one will open soon in Harvard Square.
