Latest news with #ChipotleHoneyChicken
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Can Chipotle's New Menu Innovations Revive Comp Sales Momentum?
Chipotle Mexican Grill CMG is betting big on menu innovation to reignite comparable sales growth after a sluggish start to 2025. In the second quarter of 2025, the company's comps fell 4% despite a 3% revenue increase, as softer consumer sentiment and heightened value-seeking behavior weighed on traffic. Management, however, sees recent product launches and marketing efforts as catalysts to regain standout performer has been Chipotle Honey Chicken, which appeared in one out of every four orders during its run and generated strong customer feedback. Another key addition is Adobo Ranch, the brand's first new dip in five years, which has shown early success in boosting add-on sales. These limited-time offers (LTOs) are complemented by a broader strategy to expand sides and dips, a category management views as incremental to transactions and 'Summer of Extras' rewards program also played a role, engaging 5 million participants and lifting frequency among lower-visit customers. The company plans to carry forward these learnings into the fall with another targeted rewards campaign, alongside additional remains confident that a higher cadence of innovation, combined with operational enhancements like new high-efficiency kitchen equipment, will help return comps to mid-single-digit growth in the near term. While macroeconomic headwinds remain, Chipotle's approach of pairing craveable new flavors with a clear value proposition could strengthen brand relevance and encourage repeat these initiatives sustain recent transaction gains into the second half, CMG's sales trajectory could see a meaningful rebound, validating its strategy to keep the menu fresh while staying true to the core. Competitive Pressures in the Fast-Casual Arena Chipotle's menu innovation drive unfolds in a competitive landscape where other publicly traded fast-casual players are stepping up their game. El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. LOCO, while specializing in fire-grilled chicken, has been leaning on flavor-forward limited-time offerings and value meals to appeal to cost-conscious diners. Its focus on fresh ingredients and customizable bowls directly targets a similar health-minded notable rival is Shake Shack Inc. SHAK. Though burger-focused, its frequent seasonal launches, such as limited-edition shakes and globally inspired sandwiches, mirror Chipotle's strategy of using novelty to boost traffic. The chain's loyalty initiatives and digital ordering enhancements also compete for the same convenience-seeking consumer competitors deploying aggressive promotional calendars, CMG's challenge is to ensure that its new menu items not only generate buzz but also translate into sustainable comp sales growth. CMG's Price Performance, Valuation and Estimates Chipotle's shares have lost 23.8% in the past six months compared with the industry's decline of 9.8%. Price Performance Image Source: Zacks Investment Research From a valuation standpoint, CMG trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 4.46X, up from the industry's average. P/S (F12M) Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CMG's 2025 and 2026 earnings implies a year-over-year uptick of 8% and 17.5%, respectively. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Chipotle currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (CMG) : Free Stock Analysis Report El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (LOCO) : Free Stock Analysis Report Shake Shack, Inc. (SHAK) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Sign in to access your portfolio
Express Tribune
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Chipotle and Netflix poke fun at Astronomer CEO Andy Byron's cheating scandal at Coldplay concert
A Coldplay concert in Boston, Massachusetts, became a topic of conversation after a video of Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and a coworker appeared on the kiss cam, leading to a moment of visible embarrassment that quickly went viral. The video, shared by Pop Base, garnered over 25 million views within four hours. During the concert, Coldplay's Chris Martin was heard commenting that the two were 'having an affair' as the moment unfolded, adding to the viral nature of the clip on social media platforms. Chipotle responded to the trending clip with an unexpected post on X, stating, 'and I oop,' alongside an image reading, 'It's okay to cheat on your Chipotle order if it's with Chipotle Honey Chicken.' The post attracted immediate reactions, with users commenting, 'Laughing so hard rn I'm getting hungry,' and 'Yo Chipotle this post a banger,' while others requested discount codes in response to the post's humour. Netflix also engaged with the viral moment by posting a screenshot from its docuseries Quarterback showing the quote, 'One of the best concerts I went to was Coldplay,' further contributing to the conversation. The responses from Chipotle and Netflix reflect how brands engage with trending online moments to connect with wider audiences.
Hindustan Times
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Andy Byron-Kristin Cabot saga: Ex-X CEO Linda Yaccarino's cheeky comment on ColdplayGate; ‘timeline is…'
The Andy Byron-Kristin Cabot saga, dubbed 'ColdplayGate', exploded after a viral Coldplay concert 'kiss cam' moment on Wednesday at the Gillette Stadium in Boston, which showed Astronomer CEO Andy Byron embracing Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot, sparking affair rumors. While the two are yet to issue a statement, several social media users are reacting to the scandal. Ex-X CEO Linda Yaccarino apparently reacted to the Andy Byron cheating saga(X and AP) Former X CEO Linda Yaccarino seemed to be amplifying the buzz with a cheeky tweet on Thursday. 'Timeline is absolute 🔥 today," she said on X, platform formerly known as Twitter. While the 61-year-old, who stepped down from her position just days ago, did not mention the 'kiss cam' controversy in her tweet, her followers speculated her post was about the Andy Byron speculations. Read More: Andy Byron once called Kristin Cabot a 'perfect fit' for Astronomer. Now they face scrutiny over viral kiss cam moment ' I agree Queen!! Queen did you read about that one CEO cheated on his wife at a concert?? Literally like a soap opera!! 🔥🔥' one person wrote in the comment section. 'Only if you're not the CEO of Astronomer or the head of HR….😉' another follower added. Read More: Astronomer's Andy Byron 'cheating' at Coldplay concert? CEOs who lost jobs due to alleged affairs The ColdplayGate Saga During Coldplay's Boston concert, Chris Martin's kiss cam caught Byron, 50, and Cabot hugging each other. 'Either they're having an affair or they're very shy,' Martin said, prompting Byron to duck behind a barrier and Cabot to hide her face. Married to Megan Kerrigan Byron, with two children, Byron has led Astronomer since 2023. Cabot is the company's Chief People Officer since November 2024. She is married to Kenneth C Thornby. Even famous fast-food brand Chipotle seemed to react to the ColdplayGate. "and I oop," the Chipotle X page posted with a photo. The photo said: "It's okay to cheat on your Chipotle order if it's with Chipotle Honey Chicken."
New York Post
11-06-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Chipotle launches new dip to menu, marking first new sauce since 2020
Chipotle has a new dip coming to its menu for the first time since 2020. Its restaurants in the U.S. and Canada will start offering a new limited-time Adobe Ranch dip beginning June 17, the company announced Monday. When it becomes available, the new Adobo Ranch will contain adobo peppers, sour cream, and a 'unique blend of herbs and spices,' the company said. 'Ranch has become a cultural phenomenon, especially among Gen Z, who are finding creative ways to enjoy it beyond the traditional salad,' Chipotle chief brand officer Chris Brandt said. 'Our new Adobo Ranch taps into this passion, giving fans a crave-worthy way to customize their Chipotle order with a completely new flavor.' Customers who are members of the Chipotle Rewards program before 11 p.m. local time on June 16 will have the opportunity to get a free side of the Adobo Ranch on June 17 through an offer on their account, according to Chipotle. To cash in on it, they will have to buy a regular-price entrée. Chipotle has a new dip coming to its menu for the first time since 2020. Christopher Sadowski The Adobo Ranch will mark the first new dip Chipotle has brought to its menu since the chain rolled out its queso blanco in early 2020, the company said. Other dips on Chipotle's menu include salsas and guacamole. In recent months, Chipotle has offered other limited-time items. Chipotle restaurants in the U.S. and Canada will start offering a new limited-time Adobe Ranch dip beginning June 17, along with salsa, guac, and queso. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. It debuted Chipotle Honey Chicken as a limited-time protein option in North America and Europe in early March. In September of last year, it also brought its Smoked Brisket back in the U.S. and Canada for a limited time. The chain, known for its burritos and bowls, has almost 3,800 locations globally, including nearly 3,700 across America. It has a long-term goal of reaching 7,000 restaurants in North America.
Globe and Mail
24-04-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Chipotle Warns of Slower Sales, Is CMG Stock in Trouble?
Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) has hit a rough patch. Since the beginning of the year, shares of this popular fast-casual restaurant chain have fallen roughly 17%, and its first-quarter earnings report only deepened investor concerns. Despite some bright spots in the company's performance, a mix of macroeconomic pressures, shifting consumer behavior, and muted forward guidance have raised questions about the short-term outlook for CMG stock. CMG's Q1 Earnings: A Mixed Bag In Q1, Chipotle's total revenue increased 6.4% year-over-year to $2.9 billion. However, its top line missed Wall Street estimates. Same-store sales, a key performance metric for the restaurant industry, fell 0.4%, a rare stumble for a company known for steady growth. Digital orders remained a major contributor, making up 35.4% of total sales. But rising costs took a toll: Eestaurant-level operating margin fell to 26.2%, down 130 basis points from last year. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) rose 7% to $0.29, narrowly beating expectations. Still, it wasn't enough to calm worries over declining customer traffic and waning demand. What's Behind the Weak Performance? Chipotle's management cited several factors for the slowdown. Bad weather and a pullback in consumer spending — particularly from February onward — dampened results. Shoppers, facing persistent inflation and uncertainty about the economy, started tightening their wallets — a trend that has hit Chipotle just as it is preparing to lap tough comparisons from the previous year. April showed modest improvement, helped in part by the popularity of the limited-time Chipotle Honey Chicken. Still, the company faces a tough road ahead. In the second quarter, Chipotle is up against one of its strongest quarters from 2024, which featured an 11.2% comp growth, including high-teens growth in April alone. Moreover, Easter's earlier timing this year created a 100 basis point headwind, and removing some pricing benefits will shave another 90 basis points from the top line. Management now expects same-store sales for the full year to grow in the low single digits, down from earlier low- to mid-single-digit growth forecasts. Transaction volumes will likely return to positive territory in the second half of the year, but until then, investors may need to brace for further volatility. Chipotle's Strategic Moves to Regain Momentum Despite the near-term challenges, Chipotle is set to ramp up its marketing efforts beginning in May, with plans to push heavily across digital and social media platforms. It's also aiming to drive traffic with menu innovation, particularly around new sides and dips, and will lean more into its rewards platform to reach specific customer groups. These efforts could help Chipotle regain some lost momentum. Another avenue for potential growth lies in catering. Currently, the business is a small contributor, accounting for just 1.5% of total sales. Chipotle sees significant room to expand this segment. A catering pilot will launch this fall in one of its U.S. subregions, featuring upgraded equipment, additional storage, and improved technology to better handle demand and logistics. If successful, this could open a new revenue stream with long-term upside. Geographic expansion remains a key growth strategy for Chipotle. In the first quarter alone, it opened 57 new restaurants, including locations in Canada. The company remains on track to open 315 to 345 restaurants in 2025, with 80% featuring Chipotlane — its drive-thru digital order pickup format. Canadian expansion continues at a strong pace as well, with 15 to 20 openings planned, setting another record. While Chipotle is growing its restaurant base, its unit economics are strong, supporting its long-term expansion goals. Valuation Remains a Concern CMG stock's valuation remains a concern. Even after the recent selloff, it trades at a forward price-earnings ratio of 37.45x — an elevated figure that reflects high expectations for future growth. That premium could be hard to justify amid economic uncertainty and inflationary pressure in the near term. Bottom Line Despite macroeconomic headwinds and valuation concerns, Wall Street isn't sounding the alarm just yet as analysts see no fundamental weakness in the brand itself. CMG stock has a 'Strong Buy' consensus rating. Chipotle's strong unit economics, value proposition, menu innovation, and new restaurant openings position it well to deliver solid growth. However, macroeconomic uncertainty could keep the stock range bound in the near term.
