For years, Chipotle (CMG) has been known as reliable fast-casual chain with a consistently fresh menu and a laid back atmosphere.
With over 3,200 locations, millions of Mexican-fusion fans have come to expect some of the familiar items that make Chipotle feel like, well, Chipotle. One of those items is its visible gas grills, which prepare various food offerings like its chicken and steak.
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But that could all be about to change; Chipotle just a lofty goal for itself to reduce its emissions by 50% by 2030. Which means some restaurants are going to get completely overhauled.
Chipotle Aims for Sustainability
"With an aggressive development goal of eventually growing to 7,000 locations in North America, Chipotle will leverage its new restaurant openings to scale the company's overall impact," an April 11 company press release says. "Chipotle plans to have more than 100 of its new locations in 2024 utilize all-electric equipment and at least some additional elements from its new design. The company will continue to innovate and iterate on the new design as it gains operational feedback and insights."
Some of those sustainable measures include:
- 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.
It can also mean redesigning its restaurants, which will be a herculean task as it continues to expand its footprint. But Chipotle plans to roll out what it's calling a "responsible restaurant design concept," including:
- 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 systems (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.
It's not clear what exactly the inside of a redesigned Chipotle might look like without its signature gas grills and large-scale open kitchen layouts. The company did release a few mock up images of what a new concept might look like, however:
It clearly retains some of its signature modern industrial feel, with bright natural light inside and plenty of seating for dine-in customers. The exterior features solar panels on its roof and plenty of outdoor dining options, as well.
Chipotle currently has two of these concept kitchens in operation, in Gloucester, Va., and Jacksonville, Fla. A third is reportedly opening this summer in Castle Rock, Colo.
"With our aggressive development goal in North America, we hold ourselves accountable to reduce the environmental impact of our restaurants," Chipotle Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Laurie Schalow said. "We are aiming to incorporate some elements of our responsible restaurant design into many of our new restaurant openings going forward."
