"Chipotle's 2025 was its worst year ever, with same-store sales falling for the first time since going public and shares plunging 37% amid economic pressures. CEO Scott Boatwright concedes 2026 will probably remain flat as trendy mom-and-pop Mexican eateries and upscale restaurants increasingly steal Chipotle's customers away. Despite CEO promises of innovation, Chipotle's core problem is its stagnant approach and underwhelming food, which no longer justifies its premium pricing to budget-conscious consumers."
"Before me was a lunch as big and hefty as a brick, wrapped in gold-colored foil that gleamed with the promise of a delicious meal. What I was about to try was no culinary treasure, though; it was a burrito from Chipotle. Chicken al pastor smushed into cilantro rice. Sour cream and cheese to add tang; pinto beans and red salsa for heartiness. Chips and a cup of Tex-Mex style queso as a snack, and a cardamon-spiked mandarin agua fresca to wash down everything."
Chipotle experienced its worst financial year in 2025, with same-store sales falling for the first time since going public and shares plunging 37 percent. The CEO expects 2026 to likely remain flat amid rising costs and weaker consumer spending. Competition from trendy independent Mexican eateries and upscale restaurants is drawing customers away. The chain’s core issues include a stagnant approach and underwhelming food that fails to justify premium prices to budget-conscious diners. An on-site meal example showed familiar components—chicken al pastor, cilantro rice, sour cream, cheese, beans, salsa, chips and queso—but delivered a mediocre experience.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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