Chipotle, the quick-service Mexican restaurant chain, has been gaining rapid popularity and is aimed at maintaining this trend. After a successful 2021 with an ambitious expansion plan and introducing new proteins, the CEO Brian Niccol announced ongoing efforts to introduce desserts- something that has long proved elusive.
During their recent Q1 earnings call, company leadership talked about plans to add a dessert option to their menu in response to customers' interest for additional items. Currently, guacamole and queso are Chipotle's best-selling additions.
Interestingly, it isn't Chipotle's first attempt of integrating dessert-items into its offerings. In fact, in 2017 they had tested buñuelos, yet these cinnamon sugar tortilla chips eventually misfired due to lack of consumer interest. The company also trialed Mexican chocolate milkshakes as part of a short-term run within it's New York City test kitchen - which was not significantly popular either despite initial enthusiasm.
Enhancing meal choices via optional sides greatly contributes towards monetary achievements at Chipotle since clients usually include $2.60 worth extra side items to their orders quite often says CFO Jack Hartung .
In reference to our transaction records "we have guac included in half of them while queso adorns just over twenty percent," said Hartung during the conference call implying desserts could present another feasible up-sell opportunity to heighten customer spend per visit.
On a side note, Chipotle's trajectory for innovation and growth remain ascendant. In the year 2021, their sales rose by 34% compared to those in 2019, slotting it as the tenth-largest chain restaurants across U.S . Recently, they introduced their foremost new protein variant chicken flavor - Pollo Asado. Also noteworthy is that the company has embarked on march towards attaining its target of opening around 7000 North American outlets throughout this year .
Niccol revealed during latest call interaction with stakeholders , Pollo Asado being "People's favorite addition so far." On top of that,during his address he teased about soon releasing details about an intriguing menu listing expected to be ready for taste-testing within next few weeks.
Customer anticipation builds at possibility of encountering a unique twist in future orders. Take a peek here: Recent Developments Might Lead To Major Amendment In How Chipotle Prepares Its Tortilla Chips.
