Chipotle Mexican Grill

(NYSE: CMG · $30.40 ▼ 3.8%) Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. is a restaurant company that serves Mexican food and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker CMG. The company describes its mission as cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically cooked food with wholesome ingredients and without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Its guacamole, for example, is hand-mashed from whole, ripe avocados and made fresh throughout the day. Ingredient sourcing and the absence of artificial additives have become a point of competition among restaurant chains as diners pay closer attention to what they eat.

The company has more than 3,250 restaurants in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany, employs over 110,000 people and is ranked on the Fortune 500. Chipotle describes itself as the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all of its restaurants in North America and Europe. Many large restaurant chains grow mainly through franchising, while a fully company-operated model generally gives an operator more direct control over food preparation, staffing and sourcing standards across its locations.

Chipotle says it is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone, with a focus on digital channels, technology and sustainable business practices. Customers can order online, and members of the Chipotle Rewards loyalty program can unlock free food. Catering for groups of 6 to 200 people requires 24 hours' notice and includes build-your-own meals, Burritos by the Box and chips and salsa. Group orders cover up to 15 personalized meals from the full menu at normal menu prices and can be ordered and eaten the same day. Across the restaurant industry, online ordering and catering extend sales beyond the dining room, while loyalty programs encourage repeat visits.