Chipotle makes u-turn telling employees they can ‘select chicken’ – but execs warn popular menu item will be axed soon | 8Z45CU8 | 2024-04-28 17:08:01
Chipotle makes u-turn telling employees they can 'select chicken' – but execs warn popular menu item will be axed soon | 8Z45CU8 | 2024-04-28 17:08:01
ATTEMPTS to maintain its chicken supply sent Chipotle banning employees from ordering the protein for their work meals.
But within a week, the fast-casual restaurant reversed the policy, claiming it was not actually experiencing a chicken shortage.
Chipotle employees hoping to make a chicken adobo bowl on their lunch break were fresh out of luck last week after the chain asked its US and Canadian workers to select another protein option.
The company put the kibosh on employees ordering chicken in an effort to prioritize supply for its guests "based on [its] strong sales," according to Laurie Schalow, Chipotle chief corporate affairs and food safety officer, reported local NBC affiliate, WTHR.
Both corporate staff and restaurant employees had to abstain from ordering chicken for a short time until the policy was rolled back on April 25.
"Employees are now free to select chicken in their meals as normal," declared Schalow in a reversal.
The scare over a potential shortage came after Chipotle reintroduced its chicken al pastor this past March as a limited-time offer.
Marinaded in morita peppers, ground achiote, and pineapple, the chicken flavor quickly became a fan favorite when it debuted in March 2023.
Chipotle said the new flavor accounted for 20% of all orders, reported WTHR, with fans loving it for its sweet and spicy combo.
That's all before it was removed from the menu last August.
But when the announcement came that Chipotle was bringing back Chicken al Pastor less than. a year later, fans rejoiced.
Some called it their "best flavor no doubt, and flocking to get the chain's "first global menu innovation" in multiple countries.
<!-- End of Brightcove Player --> Chipotle said its reintroduction of chicken al pastor in March drove strong traffic to its 3,371 US stores and 66 international stores in a conference call with investors this past week, reported WTHR.
A 14% rise in revenue could also be partially attributed to the addition of Chicken al Pastor, according to Brian Niccol, Chipotle's chairman and CEO, per WTHR.
He said same-store sales – or sales at locations open at least a year – were up 7%.
Despite customer buzz and temporary efforts by Chipotle to keep supply high, Chicken al Pastor is not here to stay.
Chipotle Chief Financial Officer Jack Hartung said the company plans to pull the flavor off the menu again sometime in the third quarter of this year, reported WTHR.
TECHNOLOGY TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS
Chipotle recently tried its hand at new technology in the form of a tortilla-making robot named Chippy, previously reported The U.S. Sun.
Though it was tested and approved, it was reported "cumbersome" for staff to clean.
Niccol said the use of Chippy is helping the restaurant develop other technology.
He also claimed there could be a future where technology is incorporated to provide a more accurate and consistent portion size to customers.
More >> https://ift.tt/NPJqGv7 Source: MAG NEWS
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