CHIPOTLE ADDS CHICKEN AL PASTOR TO MENUS IN CANADA

• Chicken al Pastor is a new, craveable protein at Chipotle featuring the savoury, satisfying flavour of adobo, morita peppers and ground achiote with a splash of pineapple and fresh lime
• The limited time offer joins Chipotle's signature Adobo Chicken on the line in Chipotle restaurants worldwide starting today
• Fans can experience Chicken al Pastor with a $0 delivery fee offer* for a limited time

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., March 14, 2023 /CNW/ -- Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today announced it is launching Chicken al Pastor, a new protein option that levels up any go-to Chipotle order with a sophisticated flavour profile and elevated taste. Chicken al Pastor is available now at Chipotle restaurants worldwide for a limited time, marking the first time the Company has launched a new menu innovation globally.

A Uniquely Chipotle Take on Al Pastor

Chicken al Pastor is a new, craveable protein at Chipotle featuring the savoury, satisfying flavour of adobo, morita peppers and ground achiote with a splash of pineapple and fresh lime.

According to a recent report, al pastor is one of the fastest growing Mexican dishes**. The same report also indicates that 43% of consumers choose to dine at restaurants with menu items that they cannot easily make at home, or do not make at home. Chipotle tapped into these recent consumer trends to bring fans a new, craveable menu innovation to spice up their go-to order with a uniquely Chipotle al pastor preparation.

Prepared in small batches throughout the day, Chicken al Pastor is made with Responsibly Raised® chicken, seasoned with a powerful marinade of Chipotle's signature adobo, morita peppers and ground achiote with a splash of pineapple. It's finished with fresh lime, and hand-chopped cilantro to create a well-balanced flavour with just the right amount of heat. Chipotle's new chicken is juicy and aromatic with slightly smoky notes and a hint of fruitiness that evokes the flavour of traditional al pastor in a delicious way. 

"Guests are looking to restaurants for unique menu items they cannot make at home, and al pastor has been gaining mass appeal in recent years," said Chris Brandt, Chief Marketing Officer. "We've put our own spicy spin on al pastor with our freshly grilled chicken and have created a truly delicious menu item that fans will crave. It's where fire meets flavour."

Chicken al Pastor joins Chipotle's menu of customizable burritos, burrito bowls, salads, quesadillas, and tacos for fans to switch up their favorite entrée in a whole new way. 

Globally Inspired Flavours On An International Stage

As Chipotle sets its sights on international growth, the brand is expanding access to its craveable menu innovations by launching Chicken al Pastor at all 3,200+ company-owned Chipotle restaurants worldwide. For the first time ever, Chipotle fans in Canada, the U.S., U.K., France, and Germany will simultaneously have access to Chipotle's latest menu innovation. Chipotle leveraged its stage-gate process to validate Chicken al Pastor before determining a rollout plan. Strong feedback from the 94-restaurant test in Denver and Indianapolis resulted in the brand proceeding with its first global launch plan. 

$0 Delivery Fee Offer

To celebrate its latest menu innovation, Chipotle is offering a $0 delivery fee* on all Chicken al Pastor orders placed through the Chipotle app and Chipotle.ca from March 16 through March 26.

*$0 Delivery Fee Legal Terms

Higher menu prices are charged for delivery; additional service fees applied at checkout as well. Available March 16 through March 26, 2023 only, within Chipotle's delivery areas from participating Canada locations, during normal operating hours for such locations. Order must include at least one entrée with Chicken al Pastor to qualify. Minimum order CAD$12 min/CAD$200 max, excl tax and fees. Deliveries and redemptions are subject to availability. Offer is not valid on catering or Burritos by the Box orders. Redemptions of Chipotle Rewards and other promotional offers may be included in a qualifying delivery order but do not count towards satisfaction of minimum purchase requirements. Valid only at chipotle.ca or on the Chipotle app; not valid on orders placed via third-party delivery platforms. Chipotle reserves the right to modify or terminate this offer at any time without notice. Additional restrictions may apply; void where prohibited.

**SOURCE: Datassential: MenuTrends 2021.

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 colours, flavours or preservatives. Chipotle had nearly 3,200 restaurants as of December 31, 2022, 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. Chipotle is ranked on the Fortune 500 and is recognized on the 2023 list for Fortune's Most Admired Companies. With over 100,000 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. For more information or to place an order online, visit WWW.CHIPOTLE.CA.

SOURCE Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.

Erin Wolford, [phone], [email protected]