Would a Burrito by Any Other Name Still Taste as Sweet?

Living in the Bay State we remember when we had a brand-new ruling from the Supreme Judicial Court legalizing same-sex marriage. It seemed to be one of those high court rulings that didn't really make it legal (because, you know, it's the judicial branch, not the legislative) but rather defined was something was or wasn’t. Last week the Worcester Superior Court ruled on something not quite as groundbreaking and offered up a definition. A burrito is not a sandwich.

Panera Bread leased space in White City Shopping Center with a condition written into their agreement that no other leases would be granted to sandwich shops – establishing a bit of a monopoly for them. Along comes Qdoba. Panera took offense and tried to block the opening of the "Mexican Grill" (selling burritos) stating that the burrito was a sandwich. But Qdoba fought back. They took the case to the Worcester Superior Court where Judge Jeffrey Locke opened up his Webster's, talked to a chef (Chris Schlesinger – who knows sandwiches*), and a former USDA official (Judith Quick – really, they went that far) to determine, and issue a ruling, that the single tortilla, beans, and rice were never commonly determined to be a sandwich. Panera stands defeated in their quest to block Qdoba from the intended location – but we can only wait until they start offering beans, rice, cheese, and meat on seven grain just to spite their new neighbors.

*Incidentally, the choice of Schlesinger as a supporting chef may have been a bit of an unfair move. The motto of his newest venture "All Star Sandwich Bar" is Wrap Free Since 2006. Stop in and you'll find anti-wrap stickers and buttons. Unbiased? Hardly.

Image of a partially eaten sandwich burrito courtesy of Flickr User Kerinin.