Chipotle allows workers to choose chicken again

Chipotle Employees Allowed to Choose Chicken Again

Chipotle recently lifted the directive that temporarily required its employees in the U.S. and Canada to select a protein other than chicken for their work meals. The decision was made to ensure the company’s chicken supply and applied to both corporate and restaurant staff.

The Newport Beach, California-based company, with over 114,000 workers in North America, has reinstated the option for employees to order chicken for their meals. Laurie Schalow, Chipotle’s chief corporate affairs and food safety officer, confirmed the reversal of the directive, stating that there are no chicken shortages in their restaurants.

The popular chicken al pastor, marinated in morita peppers, ground achiote, and pineapple, made up 20% of all orders after its debut in March 2023. Although removed from the menu last August, its reintroduction as a limited-time offer in March led to increased foot traffic in Chipotle’s U.S. and international stores.

During a recent investor conference call, Chipotle announced a 14% revenue increase to .7 billion in the January-March period, with a 7% rise in same-store sales. CEO Brian Niccol credited the return of chicken al pastor for attracting new customers and encouraging regulars to visit more frequently.

Chief Financial Officer Jack Hartung disclosed that the chicken al pastor will be removed from the menu again in the third quarter of this year. The limited-time offer has proven to be a successful strategy for Chipotle, driving sales and increasing customer engagement in their stores.