Image courtesy of Chipotle Mexican GrillChipotle Mexican Grill opened its 2,500th restaurant, this one in Concord, Calif. It’s a milestone that comes on the heels of a reorganization and a focus on tech for the fast-casual pioneer. Chipotle completed its executive leadership team with the hiring of Tabassum Zalotrawala as chief development officer, who will spearhead many of the new initiatives.
After implementing second make lines in most stores for online orders, Chipotle digitized this area, adding screens that guide staff through the order to improve accuracy. The tech-enabled second make lines are in nearly 950 restaurants and will be in nearly all restaurants by the end of the year.
In-store pickup shelves were rolled out in 2018 so that customers who ordered online or via the app could easily find to-go orders. Approximately 1,000 Chipotle restaurants now feature these shelves, and the company hopes to implement them in all restaurants by the middle of 2019.
Finally, over the last year, the chain partnered with DoorDash to offer delivery directly via the Chipotle app and website. Chipotle continues to test drive-up pickup lanes for customers who order online. The chain intends to expand the drive-up lanes to a few dozen 2019 restaurant openings as well.
Chipotle plans to open 140 to 155 new restaurant locations this year.