JUSTIN COOK The Roanoke Times

Chipotle, a burrito and taco restaurant, plans to occupy three empty storefronts on the College Avenue extension in downtown Blacksburg, says Victor Dritselis, spokesman for Southview Development LLC.

| Amy Matzke-Fawcett

amy.matzke-fawcett@roanoke.com, 381-1674

BLACKSBURG -- A burrito battle may be about to begin in downtown Blacksburg.

Chipotle, a burrito and taco restaurant, plans to occupy three empty storefronts on College Avenue extension, across the street from competitor Moe's Southwest Grill.

Victor Dritselis, a spokesman for Southview Development LLC, confirmed the planned Chipotle on Tuesday. Southview is associated with CDS Developers LLC, which in March bought the building that houses 308 to 316 N. Main St., where the restaurant will be located.

Chipotle is a Mexican grill chain based in Denver with nearly 900 locations and specializing in gourmet burritos and tacos using fresh and naturally raised meats and products, Dritselis wrote in an e-mail Tuesday.

Demolition has started on the site, combining the three spaces into one. The restaurant is expected to open in early 2010, Dritselis said.

Moe's, meanwhile, is an Atlanta-based Southwestern food chain featuring burritos, quesadillas and fajitas.

There are other markets that have both a Chipotle and a Moe's, said Andy Lorenz, a senior general manager of Moe's Southwest Grill, but Lorenz said Moe's is a more laid-back place.

"Moe's actually stands for Musicians Outlaws and Entertainers," Lorenz said. "It's a welcoming, fun atmosphere with loud music, rather than just a sterile restaurant atmosphere."

Virginia Tech senior Artur Wolek said he eats at Chipotle frequently when in Northern Virginia, and it would be a welcome addition to downtown Blacksburg.

"Comparing the two, I think Chipotle is a lot better," Wolek said Tuesday at Moe's. "I just think the food is better, there's a better selection and it tastes better."

Part of the reason Chipotle chose downtown Blacksburg is to appeal to Tech students who are familiar with the restaurant, Dritselis said.

The restaurant is part of a rebirth for the empty building, often known as "the hobby shop building" for a business it formerly housed. It's been empty for more than a year, Dritselis wrote, and was formerly leased by Joe's Barber and Davis Big & Tall.

"Three existing apartments on the top story will be renovated to a more upscale style. The lower-level commercial space (which is still available for lease) will also be totally renovated with higher ceilings and new front and rear entrances," Dritselis wrote.

"Both the front and rear facades will be enhanced to include outdoor seating and ADA compliant entrances."

Chipotle joins a list of new and changing establishments in downtown Blacksburg.

Rita's Water Ice, a franchise Italian water ice and custard shop, opened earlier this month on College Avenue.

Greens Restaurant and Sushi Bar plans to open next door later this month.

Around the corner at 215 N. Main St., D.P. Dough, a franchise calzone restaurant, is scheduled to open in August.

Bogen's Steakhouse and Bar, in business since 1982, closed at the end of May, citing a combination of the slow economy and an influx of new restaurants in Blacksburg as reasons.

And PK's Bar & Grill on North Main Street has a new owner.