Chipotle's Carne Asada is Back on the Menu

Rhea-AI Summary

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) reintroduces Carne Asada for a limited time in the U.S., Canada, and for the first time in France. Available for Rewards members on September 22-23, and to the general public from September 23-27 as a digital-only item. Starting September 28, it will be offered in restaurants and via third-party delivery. Carne Asada, Chipotle's fastest-selling protein, is sustainably sourced and compliant with various dietary standards, appealing to a broad range of customers.

Positive

• Carne Asada returns as a limited-time premium offering, capitalizing on previous success.
• More than 16 million Rewards members given exclusive early access.
• Carne Asada reported to be Chipotle's fastest-selling protein, attracting new customers.

Negative

• None.

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Sept. 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today announced it is bringing back Carne Asada to restaurants across the U.S. for a limited time. The premium steak option will also return to the menu in Canada and make its debut in France, where it will become Chipotle's first new protein introduced in the European market.

Chipotle's Carne Asada is grilled fresh in small batches, seasoned with a blend of signature spices, hand cut into tender slices, and is finished with fresh squeezed lime and hand-chopped cilantro. The protein is officially approved for the Whole30® program and is compliant with Keto and Paleo diets.

For more information on Carne Asada, fans can visit: chipotle.com/carneasada.

"To bring back Carne Asada to our menu, we underwent an extensive vetting process to find more suppliers that meet our stringent Food with Integrity standards," said Chris Brandt, Chief Marketing Officer. "Our fans love our Carne Asada because they can taste the care and culinary expertise that goes into this recipe from farm to bowl."

Carne With Integrity
Only 5% of U.S. beef meets Chipotle's strict sourcing standards for Carne Asada, which means it comes from animals given no antibiotics or added hormones and that are raised responsibly. To grow its Carne Asada supply chain without sacrificing its Food with Integrity standards, Chipotle has taken on a year-long mission to partner with new farmers, ranchers, and other suppliers whose practices emphasize quality and responsibility.  

Chipotle is committed to Food with Integrity because it understands the direct connection between how food is raised and prepared, and how it tastes. The brand is proud to be the only national restaurant group to receive an A+ rating from the Humane Society Food Industry Scorecard.

The Rollout  
Chipotle's more than 16 million Rewards members in the U.S. will get exclusive access to Carne Asada on September 22 and September 23 via the Chipotle app and Chipotle.com.

From September 23 through September 27, the premium protein will be available as a digital-only menu item for all fans via the Chipotle app and Chipotle.com.

Starting September 28, Carne Asada will be available in-restaurant and across all digital channels including third party delivery services.

A Storied Run
Available from late 2019 to early 2020, Carne Asada was Chipotle's fastest-selling new protein launch in history and up to four times as popular as Chipotle's previous limited-time protein offering. More than 10 million fans tried Carne Asada when it was first available, and the brand estimates that nearly half of those customers were first time guests at Chipotle.

ABOUT CHIPOTLE
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically-cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Chipotle had over 2,650 restaurants as of June 30, 2020, in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany and is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants. With more than 91,000 employees passionate about providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital, technology and sustainable business practices. Steve Ells, founder and former executive chairman, first opened Chipotle with a single restaurant in Denver, Colorado in 1993. For more information or to place an order online, visit WWW.CHIPOTLE.COM.

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SOURCE Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.

FAQ

What is the availability of Chipotle's Carne Asada?

Carne Asada will be available for Rewards members on September 22-23, 2020, and will be accessible to all from September 23-27, 2020, before full rollout on September 28, 2020.

How does Chipotle source its Carne Asada?

Only 5% of U.S. beef meets Chipotle's standards, which require no antibiotics or added hormones and responsible animal raising.

Why is Chipotle's Carne Asada significant?

It was Chipotle's fastest-selling new protein launch, drawing over 10 million customers during its previous availability.

In which new market is Carne Asada being introduced?

Carne Asada is making its debut in France, marking Chipotle's first introduction of a new protein in the European market.