Latest news with #Americanized
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Chipotle's new CEO is bringing back a missing ingredient to hit the chain's next goal—raising annual sales per store to $4 million
When Scott Boatwright joined Chipotle Mexican Grill as chief operating officer eight years ago, he worked closely with the burrito chain's founder, Steve Ells. Chipotle was laser-focused on operations at the time, as it looked to rebuild sales after a safety crisis a couple of years earlier. But Boatwright felt that there was one ingredient missing: an extra touch of hospitality. As Boatwright, CEO since last November, recalls it, Ells told him that Chipotle didn't need to be friendly, it just needed to be fast. That's changing now that Boatwright is in charge. And friendlier service is a key prong in his plan to leave his mark on a quick-service chain. 'Our team members got so focused on creating the experience efficiently that they can just forget to smile,' Boatwtright tells Fortune in a recent interview at Chipotle headquarters in Newport Beach, Calif. That doesn't mean an in-depth exchange about how your kids are doing in school, he hastens to add. But it does mean basic greetings and questions like 'What can I make fresh for you today?' or phrases like 'Thank you for spending your hard-earned money at Chipotle,' which Boatwright says do not slow employees down, but rather add a more welcoming vibe to what is after all a hospitality business. (His predecessor and former boss Brian Niccol, who decamped for Starbucks last year after a highly successful six-year stint at Chipotle, is doing something similar at the coffee-shop chain, instructing baristas to leave short personal notes on cups. But the trick, Boatwright cautions, for such touches to work is for them not to feel 'forced.') 'We're all fighting for market share, we're all fighting for dollars,' he says. And that means the right-brain skills of making customers feel welcome have to be deployed along with the left-brain skills needed for best-in-class operations. That's all the more important given that Chipotle's plan to grow includes more international expansion, notably its bold bet on Mexico, going deeper into smaller U.S. cities and trying to get more business from each of its 3,500 existing restaurants. In the 10 months since he took the reins, initially on an interim basis, Chipotle shares have barely budged, reflecint a 'wait-and-see' attitude on Wall Street. On the same day Boatwright told Wall Street investors about the smile-more campaign, Chipotle announced its plan to work with a partner to open restaurants in Mexico, the spiritual home of the burritos and quesadillas it sells. The news raised eyebrows, given that Taco Bell's attempts to conquer Mexico a few years ago flopped. Analyst Antonio Hernandez at Actinver Research wrote in a research note that 'familiarity with its ingredients does not necessarily predict success,' according to Reuters. But Chipotle's top executives insist there is place in the market for its Americanized Mexican food given its focus on freshness and high standards. 'We're not just another American fast-food place that's coming,' says chief brand and marketing officer Chris Brandt, using a term many in the industry find derogatory, preferring 'quick-service restaurant.' 'It seems a bit like a selling-ice-to-Eskimos type of thing,' he jokes. But, he says, the white space in the market for Chipotle is Mexican-esque food of a certain quality, and freshness of ingredients in a faster environment. What's more, the Mexican experiment, done in partnership with a restaurant operator, Alsea, that has extensive experience there, will tell Chipotle if and how fast it can go further afield in Latin America. Brandt and Boatwright both say they are not worried about any anti-American sentiment abroad that would affect Chipotle expansion, in light of the sparring between the U.S.'s and Mexico's governments in recent months. 'I don't know if that trickles down to brands,' says Boatwright. In addition, Chipotle plans to grow by generating more business at restaurants it already has and expanding to new markets Stateside. Last year, the average Chipotle had annual sales of $3.2 million, but chief financial officer Adam Rymer says that figure can hit $4 million in the not too distant future. (Rymer also sees the potential for Chipotle to hit 7,000 stores by expanding not only abroad but also domestically into smaller markets of say 30,000 people where restaurants like a Chili's or an Olive Garden might not go but where people might want more options than McDonald's or KFC.) As his colleague, brand chief Brandt, puts it: 'We are a real restaurant, and most places in our space are not.' This is where operations, Boatwright's area of expertise for years, comes in. Chipotle uses 53 ingredients to prepare its food and is working hard on equipment innovation to make cooking easier without affecting the final product. A produce slicer and a device to help workers cut onions quickly are just two of the changes being made to speed up production without, the executives insist, affecting quality. Boatwright would also like to see quicker food innovation and go from two limited-time-offer (LTOs in industry jargon) items a year, or a temporary additional menu item meant to stoke interest, to perhaps three. Data analytics more sophisticated than the ones it used just a few years ago have allowed Chipotle to avoid misfires with its LTOs, like the Garlic Guajillo Steak disappointment in 2022, giving Boatwright and his team more confidence to innovate. Currently, Chipotle has a hit on its hands with honey chicken bowls and burritos, a product inspired by a Nashville food trend. 'We're not adventurous at all,' says the CEO. 'We follow a very strict stage-gating process. We'll know long before its hits the market whether it's going to be successful or not.' But one thing no one should expect: lower priced items gumming up the menu. Chipotle tried that during the financial crash of 2008–2009, only to find customers yawning. 'We've seen in the past is that it really didn't lead to more visits,' says CFO Clymer. 'The market testing we've done found that people are really stuck on what it is they go to Chipotle for.' (The company was able to pass on much of the inflation in recent years to customers with little pushback, though executives say they are being careful regarding the impact of tariffs on items like avocados and Australian beef.) And so as Chipotle looks to build on its 2024 sales of $11.3 billion, and quickly reverse a same-restaurant sales decline last quarter, it has a number of levers at its disposal. But execs say they are mindful of the changes that can add to sales initially but that ultimately would damage a brand anchored in what it calls food integrity. 'When brands start trying to be everything to everyone, they lose their identity,' says Boatwright. This story was originally featured on Sign in to access your portfolio
New York Post
5 days ago
- General
- New York Post
Here are some of the most mispronounced neighborhoods, streets and bridges in NYC
What's in a name? A lot of lost history. New York City is home to some of the most uniquely named streets, neighborhoods and more — the pronunciations of which have become marbled and mangled over time.7 Tourists and residents alike, even locals whose families have been around since the dawn of the country, are guilty of butchering the Dutch tongue that lent its history to the metro area to a point where no one is truly sure what the correct pronunciations are anymore for certain landmarks. 4 Houston Street is the 'most abused' name of any Big Apple street or neighborhood, said Moss. Robbie Green – The culprit: the very melting pot for which New York is famously known. 'What happens is over time, we have people come in and they bring a bit of a language they have here, so a lot of things that were Dutch have become Americanized, which means they lost some of the Dutch color,' explained Mitchell Moss, a linguistics expert at New York University. 'There are words that are too hard for people to understand, like the concept of the boroughs. No one uses the word borough, they use Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island … People tend to not adapt to New York speech, they try to fit it into how we speak words, how they pronounce words.' Here are some of the most mispronounced names in New York City: Houston Street This misstep is perhaps the most well-known, and yet the 'most abused,' according to Moss. The iconic street is frequently pronounced like the Texas city, but, like any native New Yorker will tell you, the name should be pronounced as 'how-sten.' The major thoroughfare was named after William Houstoun, one of the Founding Fathers of the US, whose father-in-law's land was once encompassed in the lower Manhattan area. The spelling of the Houstoun became corrupted sometime after 1811, kicking off the confusion that persists today. 4 Fort Schuyler is pronounced like 'Skylar.' Alamy Stock Photo Fort Schuyler Directly below the Throggs Neck Bridge and on SUNY Maritime's campus in the Bronx lies the 18th-century fortification whose name is diecievingly pronounced as 'Fort Skylar.' 'Everybody who comes from anywhere in the world calls it 'schooler' because it's 'SCHU,'' Moss explained. The mistake could simply be blamed on a declining interest in the city's history, Moss theorized — the 1856 fort was named after General Philip Schuyler, who commanded the Continental Army in 1777 before representing New York in the 1st United States Congress. Van Wyck Expressway The roughly 30,000 daily commuters who use the 14-mile-long expressway running through the Bronx and Queens almost ubiquitously call the roadway 'Van Wick' — and they are wrong. 'Van Wyck is an old Dutch name. 'Van Wike' is the right term, but 'Van Wyck' is the way it's abused here,' said Moss. The expressway was named after Robert Van Wyck, who was the first mayor of New York City after the five boroughs were consolidated in 1898. 4 The Van Wyck Expressway is mispronounced as 'wick,' although its namesake is pronounced as 'wike.' Getty Images The story goes, according to The New Yorker, that the pronunciation was lost when the expressway was built between 1947 and 1963 by Robert Moses, who when apparently corrected on his mispronunciation as 'Wick,' barked: 'I'm Robert Moses. I can call it whatever I damn please!' Kosciuszko Bridge The Kosciuszko Bridge, which connects Brooklyn and Queens, is possibly the most mispronounced namesake in the five boroughs — but there's a catch. Many New Yorkers refer to the cable-stayed bridge as 'Koz-ee-as-ko' or 'Koz-ee-uhs-ko,' but the most correct pronunciation would be 'Ko-shoo-sko,' according to the Brooklyn library's historical team. The bridge was named after Polish military leader Tadeusz Kościuszko, who fought alongside the Americans in the Revolutionary War, but the 'Polish flair' is too difficult for many Americans, Moss theorizes. 4 According to Moss, the pronunciation of the Kosciuszko Bridge gets so mangled that any version has come to be accepted. demerzel21 – 'Now, this is what makes New York different. We don't have a pronunciation czar. It's kind of like a free-for-all,' said Moss. 'This is a case where New Yorkers are very tolerant. As long as you can pronounce it, it's acceptable.' Bonus: Spuyten Duyvil The Bronx neighborhood just across the creek from Inwood isn't so much bastardized as it is completely ignored. Spuyten Duyvil and its namesake railroad bridge — pronounced like 'Spy-tin Die-vul' — literally translates in Dutch to 'Spouting Devil' and is a reference to the strong currents found in the creek, with 'Spui' in Dutch meaning a body of water. But the neighborhood is commonly usurped by its neighboring community, Riverdale, with mostly only locals bothering to learn the original name, according to Moss. 'That's kind of an inside name for people in New York, who know when they're leaving Manhattan to get to the Bronx,' said Moss.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cape Cod restaurant news: Lobster rolls, coffee at Days on the Pier; eating in Wellfleet
In this week's Cape Cod food news, Provincetown has a new pop-up market selling Days Market and Deli's well-known lobster rolls, Wellfleet gets ready for its annual Restaurant Week and Dana's Kitchen of 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives' fame opens for the 2025 season in Falmouth. Also, the Cahoon Museum of Art features a class on edible flowers. Last week's restaurant news included The Piccadilly in South Yarmouth opening for dinner for the first time in decades; Cymbals Bakery at Faraway@Nantucket hotel making homemade doughnuts; and The Pretentious Pickle setting up shop in Mashpee Commons. You don't have to arrive at or leave Provincetown hungry with the new pop-up market Days on the Pier open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily at 16 MacMillan Wharf. It is a second location for Days Market & Deli in North Truro. The Provincetown pop-up that opened May 16 offers summer sundries like sunscreen and towels, as well as food items, including Three Fins Coffee and Days Market's well-known lobster rolls. 'There are five different lobster rolls I created in 2008 for The Red Shack,' said Days' owner Mylan Janoplis, noting that Days on the Pier will only have the four cold lobster rolls since the pop-up has no kitchen in the space formerly occupied by the Whydah Pirate Museum and later the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy. Janoplis (just one 'o' after his grandfather Americanized the name) is a Provincetown native whose family has been involved with restaurants for three generations, including starting and owning The Mayflower and The Portuguese Bakery in Provincetown. He loves California but the East Coast where he was born and raised keeps calling him back ― most recently in 2019 when he started Days Market & Deli in North Truro. 'The building, owned by Barry and Margo Clifford, is still for sale, so Days on the Pier will just be a popup for this year," he said. "But if the building doesn't sell, maybe there could be a second year.' In addition to the original lobster roll, Days Market & Deli sells The Californian with avocado and bacon, The Mexican with salsa and The Morrocan with a light curry mayo and pineapple. They sell for $27.95 in Truro but may be a little more in Provincetown, Janoplis said, since he is thinking of adding slaw or another side to make them more complete grab-and-go meals. Days on the Pier is at 16 MacMillan Wharf, Provincetown, 508-413-9031, or find Days Market & Deli on Facebook and Instagram. 'Learn about edible flowers, how to prepare stuffed zucchini blossoms, pansy pancakes, and other ways you can use flowers to bring extra flavor and visual flair to your dishes,' says a Facebook listing by the Cahoon Museum of American Art in Barnstable. The owner of Edible Creations by Gerry in Westport will teach that class from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 31, at the museum, 4676 Falmouth Road. The cost is included with museum admission but registration is required at Dana and Art Tillman run a truly mom-and-pop operation with house-made food that was even served for a while on her grandmother's leftover china. Patrons who plan to eat outside on the porch are welcome to bring their dog. But, like home, you should call first (508-540-7900) to be sure they are open. Regular hours are 11 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and until 1:45 p.m. Sundays, but sometimes this homegrown operation will have to close for a big catering operation. Specialties include, when crab is available, a Maryland crab cake wrap for $18.95, haddock chowder, two styles of Reuben and Middle Eastern fare including falafel. The Tillmans met in culinary school where she was the baker. If you want breakfast pastries, call a day ahead to order them. Watch the Tillmans 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives' episode through the link on their website at Dana's Kitchen, 881 Palmer Ave., Falmouth, 508-540-7900, Nearly two dozen restaurants and the same number of shops and galleries are taking part in the 16th annual Wellfleet Restaurant Week from May 28 to June 3. The Wellfleet Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the event, has a list of participating businesses. You can click on each restaurant to check out their Restaurant Week special, such as a $15.50 spinach and feta frittata with homefries and toast or a side salad at Blue Willow Fine Foods + Bakery; an $18 early bird special until 6 p.m. at C Shore Kitchen + Bar; a $26 paella at Pearl Restaurant + Bar on Wellfleet Harbor; and 19 more. Shops and galleries include Shinglefish, where whimsical sea creatures are painted on old shingles; and AIM Thrift Store, carrying a bit of everything since 1966 (you could find grandma's jeans from the '70s!). Scope out where to eat and shop at (This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.) Gwenn Friss is the editor of CapeWeek and covers entertainment, restaurants and the arts. Contact her at gfriss@ Follow her or X, formerly Twitter: @dailyrecipeCCT Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans. This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Cape Cod restaurants: New pop-up on Provincetown pier; Wellfleet eats
The Irish Sun
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
AC Milan drop major hint over Kyle Walker's future after Man City star's loan transfer
AC MILAN have dropped a massive hint over the future of Kyle Walker. The 6 Kyle Walker featured in AC Milan's kit reveal for the 2025/26 season Credit: Puma 6 He could be set to stay in Milan past the end of the season Credit: Puma Walker, 34, has been a regular fixture in the However, he has not been able to help the club reach a European qualifying place. AC Milan can finish at best 7th in the Serie A but will need to beat Monza and hope Bologna and Walker could now be set for another season in Milan after the club revealed their kit for next season. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL The 95-cap He also played a role in the club's video along with Milan has the option to buy Walker off Man City for around £5 million. It is believed that they would like to take up the option to make his move permanent. Most read in Football JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS Walker's contract at the Etihad Stadium expires in 2026 so he would have one more year left on his deal if he were to return to England. The former Tottenham Hotspur ace is believed to be loving his time in Milan. EXCL Kyle Walker pictured reuniting with wife Annie & four kids over a meal after flying to Italy to watch him play for AC Milan 6 The Serie A giants released their new shirt on social media Credit: Puma 6 Christian Pulisic featured in the promotion Credit: Puma As A source said: 'He's so excited about this, he can't contain himself. 'He's been reluctant to do anything like this in the past because he doesn't like the spotlight, but things are different now. 'He's loving his new lease of life with AC Milan and hopes his performances can help him reach 100 caps for England. 'But he's also thinking about the future and has half an eye on life beyond football.' Meanwhile, AC Milan fans were not happy with the club's new shirt. Many hit out on social media over the design of the badge and how it had been simplified. One posted: "Boycott this kit, the logo doesn't respect our colours." A second commented: "See that Americanized badge on the home shirt. Shame." A third wrote: "Give us back Milan." A fourth said: "Boycott." Another added: "Wow more dross what a surprise." 6 Fans are not happy with the redesign of the club badge Credit: puma 6
Scottish Sun
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
AC Milan drop major hint over Kyle Walker's future after Man City star's loan transfer
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AC MILAN have dropped a massive hint over the future of Kyle Walker. The Manchester City star joined the Serie A giants on loan back in January. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Kyle Walker featured in AC Milan's kit reveal for the 2025/26 season Credit: Puma 6 He could be set to stay in Milan past the end of the season Credit: Puma Walker, 34, has been a regular fixture in the AC Milan side, having made 11 appearances in the Serie A. However, he has not been able to help the club reach a European qualifying place. AC Milan can finish at best 7th in the Serie A but will need to beat Monza and hope Bologna and Fiorentina lose. Walker could now be set for another season in Milan after the club revealed their kit for next season. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL SOLD TRAFFORD Man Utd 'put every star up for sale' as cup loss leaves 'em in financial ruin The 95-cap England international featured in the promotion as he was pictured wearing the shirt. He also played a role in the club's video along with Christian Pulisic, Santiago Gimenez, Rafael Leao and Mike Maignan. Milan has the option to buy Walker off Man City for around £5 million. It is believed that they would like to take up the option to make his move permanent. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS Walker's contract at the Etihad Stadium expires in 2026 so he would have one more year left on his deal if he were to return to England. The former Tottenham Hotspur ace is believed to be loving his time in Milan. EXCL Kyle Walker pictured reuniting with wife Annie & four kids over a meal after flying to Italy to watch him play for AC Milan 6 The Serie A giants released their new shirt on social media Credit: Puma 6 Christian Pulisic featured in the promotion Credit: Puma As revealed by SunSport, Walker signed a big-money deal - said to be worth six figures - to be an underwear model for Hugo Boss. A source said: 'He's so excited about this, he can't contain himself. 'He's been reluctant to do anything like this in the past because he doesn't like the spotlight, but things are different now. 'He's loving his new lease of life with AC Milan and hopes his performances can help him reach 100 caps for England. 'But he's also thinking about the future and has half an eye on life beyond football.' Meanwhile, AC Milan fans were not happy with the club's new shirt. Many hit out on social media over the design of the badge and how it had been simplified. One posted: "Boycott this kit, the logo doesn't respect our colours." A second commented: "See that Americanized badge on the home shirt. Shame." A third wrote: "Give us back Milan." A fourth said: "Boycott." Another added: "Wow more dross what a surprise." 6 Fans are not happy with the redesign of the club badge Credit: puma
