Chipotle uses more naturally raised meat than any other restaurant, and itsuse of natural ingredients and sustainable methods bolsters its catchphrase of“Food with Integrity.” The Chipotle company also strives to become goodneighbors, participating in community-building efforts and supporting eventsin the areas where they open locations. The star of the Chipotle menu is thegiant burrito, a mix of Mexican tradition with American tastes. The restaurantalso serves burrito bowls, crispy and soft tacos, salads, and sides of chipsand guacamole.
Chipotle Mexican Grill Franchise Opportunities – History
Chipotle Mexican Grill was founded in 1993 by Steve Ells, who opened his firstrestaurant in Denver, Colorado, near the University of Denver. After successthere, he opened his second restaurant in 1995 and continued to build thechain, getting a boost with an investment from McDonald’s in 1998 (which hassince been fully divested). Today, Chipotle has more than 1,200 locations in 41states, as well as in Canada and England, with an income of $215 million in 2011.Meanwhile, CEO Steve Ells has become an increasingly active advocate fornatural, organic, and sustainable ingredients. In 2009 he testified before theU.S. Congress to try to eliminate the use of antibiotics in ranching.
Chipotle Mexican Grill Franchise Cost
With only a few exceptions, all 1200 Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants arecompany owned. While a few franchises were sold in the early days, sinceChipotle's success the franchising plan has been scrapped in favor of completecorporate ownership and control. The Chipotle franchise cost is thereforereally just an expansion cost and is borne by the company directly.
Chipotle Franchise Business Opportunities
If you were hoping to open a Chipotle franchise and your dreams were justcrushed because the chain doesn't offer franchises, there's a silver lininghere. Sure, your money isn't going to get any more valuable sitting at thebank, and the window in people's lives that they have the time, money, andenergy to start a franchise is usually limited. So it makes sense to invest ina franchise when you're in your window. But just because you can't open aChipotle restaurant it doesn't mean you're out of luck!
NewChipotle Mexican Grill Franchise Investment Opportunities
Chipotle indeed used to be the fresh, fast-growing new kid on theblock, but its days of posting yearly double-digit increases in sales are wellbehind it (just check out the company's financial filings to see foryourself). Fortunately for potential franchise owners, new chains have emergedthat offer a chance to get in on the ground floor of the next big thing --instead of chasing an opportunity that has already peaked.
Here are a few hot new franchises that Chipotle fans tend to like:
Una Mas Mexican Grill: Serving healthy, California-style Mexican cuisine in a contemporary atmosphere steeped in authentic Mexican roots, Una Mas might just be "the next Chipotle" -- a franchise about to explode nationally in much the same way the Chipotle chain did over the last decade. There's little question that Mexican food will continue to be one of the hottest categories going forward, and Una Mas owners appear poised to be some of the biggest winners in the years to come.
- Wall Street Deli: Wall Street Deli brings the freshly prepared gourmet sandwiches, soups, and salads that New Yorkers love to cities around the world. Like Chipotle, Wall Street Deli has had a lot of success serving massive corporate lunches.
- Mara's Cafe & Bakery: Mara’s Café & Bakery offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, gelato, baked goods, and the freshest coffee around. Much like Chipotle, Mara’s commits to quality and freshness that cannot be.
