Chipotle is about to start selling craft brews in Chicago which are produced by a local-based microbrewery, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Fifteen Chicago Chipotles will carry two beers from 5 Rabbit brewery in the coming week: a simple golden ale called 5 Rabbit that is reminiscent of Corona, and 5 Vulture, a dark ale brewed with chiles and spices that is akin to Negra Modelo, the report said.
Chipotle said that if sales are favorable, it may consider expanding the offerings to about 75 stores in and around Chicago plus other craft brands.
Chipotle and 5 Rabbit are a natural fit in several ways: Founded by a Mexican and Costa Rican who moved to Chicago, 5 Rabbit has positioned itself as the nation's first Latin-themed craft brewery.
While overall beer sales decline nationwide, craft beer sales were up by 12 percent in the first half of 2012. As of August of this year, there were 2,126 craft breweries in the U.S. -- the highest number since 1890.
