Steve Ells is an American entrepreneur and the founder of Chipotle Mexican Grill, a popular fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in burritos, tacos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes. Under Ells' leadership, Chipotle has grown from a single restaurant to a multinational company with thousands of locations across the United States and abroad.
Early Life and Education:
Steve Ells was born on September 12, 1965, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History. Later, he pursued his culinary passion at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, graduating with a degree in Culinary Arts in 1990.
Career and Chipotle Mexican Grill:
After graduating from culinary school, Ells worked as a sous chef at Stars, a renowned restaurant in San Francisco. While working there, he was inspired by the local taquerias and their fast, fresh, and customizable food offerings.
In 1993, Steve Ells opened the first Chipotle Mexican Grill in Denver, Colorado, with a loan from his father. The restaurant's menu focused on simple, high-quality ingredients and a customizable approach to building burritos and tacos. The concept quickly gained popularity among customers, and Ells began expanding the brand.
Growth and Expansion:
Under Steve Ells' leadership, Chipotle experienced rapid growth, opening new locations across the United States. The company went public in 2006, raising significant capital to fuel its continued expansion. Today, Chipotle operates over 2,800 restaurants in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.
Chipotle's "Food with Integrity" Philosophy:
Steve Ells has been a strong advocate for the responsible sourcing of ingredients and the promotion of sustainable agriculture. Chipotle's "Food with Integrity" philosophy emphasizes the use of natural, high-quality ingredients, often sourced from local and organic producers. The company has also been committed to animal welfare, prioritizing the use of meat from animals raised without antibiotics or hormones.
Leadership Transition:
In 2017, Steve Ells stepped down as CEO of Chipotle and was succeeded by Brian Niccol, former CEO of Taco Bell. Ells remained with the company as Executive Chairman until 2020, when he fully retired from Chipotle. Under Niccol's leadership, Chipotle has continued to focus on innovation and growth, while staying true to the principles and values established by Ells.
Legacy:
Steve Ells' vision and passion for high-quality, customizable, and sustainable food have left a lasting impact on the fast-casual dining industry. As the founder of Chipotle Mexican Grill, he revolutionized the way people think about and experience fast food. His commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing has inspired other businesses to adopt similar practices, promoting positive change within the food industry.
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