Well Jono, where do you see yourself 5 or 10 years from now? You’ve mentioned that you are interested in restaurant management, but can cook in a fast paced environment. Do you see yourself as a manager or a chef in years to come? If you don’t know the answers to those questions, that’s OK.
An internship with a good company could answer some questions for you.
Concerning internships, since you are already associated with Chipotle, do they offer them? They seem to be a great company with great potential for upward mobility. If you decide that you really want to learn more culinary skills, the upscale restaurant would be the place. But what kind of future would it offer to you? A good place to learn your skills, but……
Now if you leave Chipotle under good terms, leaving for culinary training and returning to manage is a great possibility.
I feel that the other contributors left some great advice and food for thought, too. No need to rehash their info. Do a benefit analysis, though, of what you would gain or lose with each opportunity. Real life benefits (401K, health insurance, etc) are harder and harder to come by.
As far as balancing both opportunites, that’s pretty difficult if you are in school. Otherwise, it’s a crazy but still workable solution.
I work in a 4 star hotel with great benefits and great options for interns. I see a lot of interns in our culinary department who move on to management in and out of our hotel. Great potential exists with a big company.

So your Chipotle manager is willing to adjust your schedule? I would go for the high end restaurant if you can’t do both b/c that is where you will get your culinary experience. What if you work your way up to a manangement position at the new restaurant. I would think that it’s a lot harder to find an opportunity at a nice restaurant than a management position at Chipotle.
Go with the upscale place, that’s what you went to school for!
Good Luck!

I’ve been in restaurant management for many years. I left positions for what I hoped would be a better one many times.
My advice to you is before you take the new job check out how stable the new restaurant is. How , long have then been around, and how well is it doing. Be Leary of independents. Also check benefits medical and other benefits like vacation and sick pay.
Figure that in with the new salary. The big companies do have advantages, like growth for one. Make sure you can finish your schooling. Just don’t expect to walk into a great job just because you did.. Most restaurants look at actual experience
as much as if not more then culinary school.
You need to ask yourself want you really want to do after you graduate.
If you decide you need to leave Chipotle explain why and try leave the door open. and if you decide not to take the kitchen position try and leave that door open by explaining to them why you need to stay where you are at this time.

1. Don’t burn your bridge. If you do leave Chipotle, leave with goo standing.
2. If you can’t swing both then do only one. It best to do one good than mess up doing both and then loose them both.
3. How long is the probation at the high quality restaurant? If you don’t make the cut during the time, they could say adios to you.
4. Talk it over with a family member or a close friend. They know you alot better than anyone here on YA! and would would know if you have the drive to do both and the best one for you.
5. How did the restaurant know to offer you the position? Sounds to me like you were looking to leave so you might as well go for it. If you have vacation or PTO’s , try to use them and check out working at the new place. Even tho its a step up, you may not like the atmosphere (coworkers etc.) there.
Best of luck to you.