Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., often known simply as Chipotle, is an American chain of fast casual restaurants in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and France, specializing in tacos and Mission burritos that are made to order in front of the customer. Its name derives from chipotle, the Nahuatl name for a smoked and dried jalapeño chili pepper. The company trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CMG. Chipotle Mexican Grill is a fast-casual restaurant chain that specializes in Mexican cuisine. The company was founded in 1993 in Denver, Colorado, and has since grown to over 2,800 locations in the United States, Canada, and several other countries.

Menu

Chipotle's menu consists of burritos, tacos, bowls, and salads, all of which can be customized with a variety of toppings and sauces. The company is known for its use of high-quality, responsibly sourced ingredients, including naturally raised meats and organic produce. Chipotle's menu also includes a range of vegetarian and vegan options, including sofritas (spicy tofu) and plant-based bowls.

History

Chipotle was founded in 1993 by Steve Ells, who was inspired by the taquerias he had visited in San Francisco. The first location was a small storefront in Denver, Colorado, and the restaurant quickly gained a following for its fresh ingredients and customizable menu. In 2006, Chipotle became a publicly traded company, and the following year, McDonald's became an investor in the company. However, in 2008, McDonald's divested its stake in Chipotle, and the company became an independent entity once again. Since then, Chipotle has continued to grow, expanding its menu and its presence in the United States and around the world. In recent years, the company has focused on sustainability and responsible sourcing, pledging to use only non-GMO ingredients and to source its meat from farms that meet certain animal welfare standards.

Controversies

Chipotle has faced several controversies over the years, including outbreaks of foodborne illnesses at several of its locations. In 2015, an outbreak of E. coli was linked to Chipotle restaurants in several states, leading to hundreds of reported illnesses and several lawsuits against the company. The company has also faced criticism for its labor practices, with some workers alleging that they were denied overtime pay and forced to work off the clock.

See also

• Fast food
• Mexican cuisine
• Steve Ells
• Food safety
• Sustainability