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How Shake Shack, Chipotle supporting racial equality

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June 8, 2020

Chipotle and Shake Shack, two fast casual brands that the industry holds up as leaders, are showing their support for racial equality.

Chipotle has not only pledged $1,000,000 throughout the year to fight systemic racism — starting with $500,000 to The National Urban League — it's also turning its website and app into donation platforms so customers can show financial support. Using a new technology feature, guests will soon be able to round up their bill to the next highest dollar amount at checkout to donate to the National Urban League,  Chipotle CEO and Chairman Brian Niccol wrote an in an open letter to customers.

"It is painfully clear to me that we have work to do as Americans to ensure Black lives are valued and we are standing in solidarity with the Black community," he wrote. "The racial and social injustice is unacceptable and we want to do our part to create an equal society. With that said, I still believe America stands for hope and opportunity and I see lots of brave people finding ways to create positive change. We ask that you join us in our effort to do the same."

The National Urban League is a nonpartisan historic civil rights organization based in New York City that advocates on behalf of economic and social justice for African Americans and against racial discrimination in the United States

Niccol said the company is committed to learning and listening to ensure it fosters an inclusive environment.

"Listening sessions are already taking place across our organization to better understand how we can evolve as a company and provide equal opportunities for all," he said. "In addition, we'll be working with our employees to identify the organizations to spotlight in our round-up program throughout the year. There's an inequity in the food system that we also acknowledge and will work to change."

It's time to open our purse. Today we are pledging $1,000,000 throughout the year to fight systemic racism, starting with $500,000 to the @NatUrbanLeague. Chipotle is rooted in diversity, inclusion, and integrity and we vow to be part of the solution.

— Chipotle (@ChipotleTweets) June 5, 2020

Shake Shack is donating $100,000 to the Equal Justice Initiative, which was founded in 1989 to help end mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, as well as to challenge racial and economic injustice and to protect basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society.

"We recognize our responsibility to stand up in the fight against systemic racism and know that words must be accompanied by action," the chain posted on its Instagram page. "We are committed to doing everything we can to advocate for the Black community — especially for our Black colleagues, who through their hurt are showing up every day to lead teams and feed communities. There's so much more to do, but here's where we're starting."

Shake Shack is also continuing to pay employees whose hours have been reduced where stores were forced to close during protests and is extending a 10% percent raise to all hourly employees.

See below to read the complete post, which said these steps were "just a start."

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Black Lives Matter. We recognize our responsibility to stand up in the fight against systemic racism and know that words must be accompanied by action. We are committed to doing everything we can to advocate for the Black community – especially for our Black colleagues, who through their hurt are showing up every day to lead teams and feed communities. There's so much more to do, but here's where we're starting. ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ For a list of anti-racism resources, see link in bio.

A post shared by SHAKE SHACK (@shakeshack) on Jun 3, 2020 at 8:35am PDT