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Chipotle responds to NYPD 'hands up' flap

A 'spontaneous, unplanned action taken by an individual crew member' toward a group of New York police officers has caused a flap for Chipotle.

December 29, 2014

Chipotle Mexican Grill has responded to allegations on social media that crew members in one of its Brooklyn, New York, stores raised their hands in the "hands up, don't shoot" gesture as a sign of protest when a group of New York police officers stopped in for a meal.

Chipotle stated that its review of the Dec. 16 incident revealed that the gesture was a "spontaneous, unplanned action taken by an individual crew member and was not a coordinated effort by the staff of the restaurant."

The officers were not denied service, as some have alleged, but chose to leave while still waiting in line, said Chipotle.

"We work very hard to ensure that every customer in our restaurants feels welcome and is treated with respect. Clearly, the actions of this crew member undermined that effort," according to the statement. "In no way was the behavior of this crew member consistent with our culture and our values as a company. We have taken appropriate actions with regard to the crew member involved, but we are not at liberty to discuss the specific actions taken."

Chipotle said in the statement that it has apologized to those upset by the incident, and would like to apologize to the officers involved.

"We have proudly served law enforcement officers in our restaurants around the country for the last 21 years and we continue to do so every day. We greatly respect the service they provide and welcome them into our restaurants," said the statement.