Chipotle Mexican Grill is a fast-casual restaurant company known for its Mexican-inspired menu of burritos, bowls, tacos and salads. Founded in 1993 by Steve Ells, the chain emphasizes fresh, customizable meals made from a limited menu of core ingredients and a focus on ingredient quality. Chipotle operates primarily company-owned restaurants and offers dine-in, takeout, catering and delivery through its own digital platforms and third-party partners.
The company is headquartered in Newport Beach, California, and traces its roots to Denver, Colorado. While the majority of its restaurants are located in the United States, Chipotle has expanded into select international markets and continues to pursue measured geographic growth. In recent years the company has placed significant strategic emphasis on digital ordering, mobile app functionality, delivery partnerships and a loyalty program to drive customer frequency and sales mix toward off-premises channels.
Chipotle has promoted its “Food With Integrity” initiative, which highlights efforts to source higher‑quality ingredients, support responsible farming practices and improve supply-chain transparency. Leadership shifted in 2018 when Brian Niccol, previously CEO of Taco Bell, took over operational leadership and has overseen initiatives around digital investment, menu innovation and operational scalability. The company’s business model blends a fast-casual restaurant experience with investments in technology and supply-chain practices intended to support growth and maintain brand positioning.