Franchising

Chipotle: 'It's electric!'

Provided

April 11, 2023

Chipotle Mexican Grill has created an all-electric restaurant design to maximize energy efficiency in its equipment and systems. Using 100% renewable energy from wind power and solar through the purchase of certified renewable energy credits, the company is testing the design in Gloucester, Virginia and Jacksonville, Florida, with a third location opening later this summer in Castle Rock, Colorado.

"With our aggressive development goal in North America, we hold ourselves accountable to reduce the environmental impact of our restaurants," Laurie Schalow, chief corporate affairs officer, said in a company press release. "We are aiming to incorporate some elements of our responsible restaurant design into many of our new restaurant openings going forward."

Over 100 stores opening in 2024 will use all-electric equipment and at least some additional elements from the new design, which include

• Rooftop solar panels, where feasible.
• All-electric equipment and systems to replace gas power.
• Heat pump water heaters.
• Smaller electric cookline and improved exhaust hoods compared to other Chipotle kitchens.
• Energy management system, which have already been deployed in most existing restaurant locations)
• Biodegradable service ware such as cutlery, straws, bowls, cups and lids.
• Cactus leather chairs.
• Artwork made from recycled rice husks.
• Electric vehicle charging stations at select locations.

Chipotle has also been also adding the following initiatives:

• Standardizing the installation of energy management systems at every restaurant to manage heating and cooling, refrigeration temperatures, and other equipment.
• Exploring greater use of low carbon fuels and adoption of renewable resources in logistics.
• Investing in projects to drive emission reductions in beef and dairy production.
• Exploring and developing strategies to support greater adoption of regenerative agriculture practices among supply chain partners.
• Developing plans for offering additional vegetarian and vegan menu items.
• Increasing the amount of local produce purchased in 2023 to a planned total of at least 36.4 million pounds.

Chipotle has also launched a short film called "Human Nature" that will air as a national TV ad. The piece, created by Anomaly, features side-by-side shots of humans and nature, emphasizing their aesthetic similarities while conveying the importance of individuals reconnecting physically and emotionally with the environment.

"Since its founding in 1993, Chipotle's mindset and approach to food has always been about working with — not against — nature and using real ingredients free of any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives," Chipotle CMO Chris Brandt said in the release. "Human Nature celebrates how Chipotle serves food that is both good for you and better for the planet. Strengthening our connection with nature is key to producing responsibly raised food for generations to come."