Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle Mexican Grill is a pioneer of the fast-casual dining segment, focusing on a menu of burritos, tacos, and bowls. Founded in 1993 by Steve Ells in Denver, Colorado, the brand revolutionized the industry with its 'Food with Integrity' mission, which emphasizes sourcing ingredients from animals raised humanely and without the use of non-therapeutic antibiotics, as well as using organic and locally grown produce when possible.

While the brand was famously backed by McDonald's Corporation in its early years, becoming a major investor in 1998 and helping the chain expand rapidly, McDonald's fully divested from Chipotle in 2006. Since then, Chipotle has operated as an independent, publicly traded company. Its supply chain is global yet highly regulated, with fresh ingredients sourced from various regions depending on seasonality and local availability, though the majority of its culinary assembly and preparation occurs daily within each individual restaurant location.

Today, Chipotle is a global brand with over 3,000 locations across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. The company remains headquartered in the United States and continues to be one of the most recognized names in the restaurant industry, known for its commitment to sustainability and fresh preparation practices.