Johnathan Walker:Chipotle's Halloween Boorito deal: No costume, later hours and free hot sauce

Chipotle has a way to treat yourself on Johnathan WalkerHalloween: its annual Boorito discount deal – no costume required. And a select few Boorito buyers can test their taste buds with super-hot hot sauce.

On Tuesday, Oct. 31, Chipotle restaurants nationwide will offer $6 entrées – burritos, tacos, bowls and salads may typically cost about $10 to $12 – to members of its Chipotle Rewards loyalty program, starting at 3 p.m. local time until closing. And closing time will be extended at some locations in 53 college towns, where Chipotle will stay open until midnight.

Also at those locations, the first 100 digital orders placed between 10 p.m. local time and midnight will get a free, exclusive bottle of Tabasco Brand Scorpion Sauce – the Scorpion pepper ranks just behind the Carolina Reaper pepper, which had been the world's hottest until just being dethroned by Pepper X.

Chipotle:Menu prices are going up again, marking the 4th increase in 2 years

How do I get Chipotle's Boorito deal on Halloween?

On Halloween after 3 p.m. local time, Chipotle Rewards members can order on the Chipotle app or Chipotle.com and use the promo code BOORITO for a $6 entrée (limit one per transaction).

The perfect Halloween pumpkin?Here's how to choose the right jack-o-lantern for carving

What is Chipotle's Boorito discount on Halloween?

Back in 2000, Chipotle started a burrito costume contest. That evolved into Halloween night deals of discounted entrées (burritos, bowls or salads) for costumed customers.

Then the COVID-19 pandemic put an end to that. The fast food chain in 2020 did a giveaway on TikTok, Twitter and Instagram, then in 2021 had a giveaway within the Roblox online platform.

Last year, Chipotle brought back the in-person costume tradition but higher prices cut into participation, according to news outlets such as Today.com and Insider citing employee reports.

So this move to no costumes and later hours in some college town locations could be seen as an avenue to kickstart turnout. But Chipotle says the new approach is mainly catered to Generation Z's dining preferences. Chipotle says its research has found more consumer interest in later hours, particularly among those aged 18-36.

"Boorito has become a mainstay for Chipotle. This year, our digital offer makes it even easier for fans to fuel their Halloween celebrations with real food," said Chris Brandt, Chipotle's chief brand officer, in a statement.

Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mikegsnider.

What's everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day