Monday, November 13, 2006

Is a Burrito a Sandwich?

A judge in Worcester, Mass. says no.

"A sandwich is not commonly understood to include burritos, tacos and quesadillas, which are typically made with a single tortilla and stuffed with a choice filling of meat, rice, and beans," (Superior Court judge Jeffrey)Locke wrote in a decision released last week.

The Panera Bread Co. bakery and cafe chain was trying to stop the White City shopping center from leasing space to a competitor, the Qdoba Mexican Grill. But Judge Locke said a burrito and other things wrapped in tortillas isn't a sandwich.

It reminds me of every law student's favorite contracts case, Frigaliment Importing Co. v. B.N.S. International Sales Corp. where Judge Friendly intoned that the issue in the case was "What is chicken?"

I'm guessing Judge Locke knew that one, too.