Operations

Chipotle opening first digital kitchen

Provided

November 11, 2020

Chipotle Mexican Grill is opening its first virtual restaurant Saturday. Known as the Chipotle Digital Kitchen and located just outside of the gates to the military academy in Highland Falls, New York, the restaurant will provide pick-up and delivery only. The prototype will allow Chipotle to enter more urban areas that wouldn't support a full-size restaurant and also allows for flexibility with future locations, Curt Garner, chief technology officer of Chipotle, said in a company press release.

"The Digital Kitchen incorporates innovative features that will complement our rapidly growing digital business while delivering a convenient and frictionless experience for our guests," he said in the release. "With digital sales tripling year over year last quarter, consumers are demanding more digital access than ever before so we're constantly exploring new ways to enhance the experience for our guests."

Focused on accelerating the digital business in non-traditional locations, the kitchen doesn't have a dining room or service line, meaning guests must order in advance via Chipotle.com, the Chipotle app or third-party delivery partners. Customers may pick up orders from a lobby designed to include all of the sounds, smells and kitchen views of a traditional Chipotle restaurant. The digital kitchen will also service large catering orders available for pick-up in a separate lobby with its own dedicated entry.

Chipotle has over 2,700 restaurants in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany.