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BURRITO season is almost here, and Chipotle is rolling out big changes, including a hiring spree as it gears up for its busiest time of the year.
The fast-casual giant is launching a fresh recruitment campaign to ensure its 3,700 restaurants are well staffed for the March-to-May rush.
Chipotle is also investing in its current workforce offering new employee benefits[/caption]
Chipotle employees also get a chance to earn an extra month’s pay through a crew bonus program[/caption]
In 2024 alone, the Chipotle promoted 23,000 employees, with 85% of restaurant promotions coming from within[/caption]
With burrito season kicking off in weeks, the company is betting that better benefits and faster hiring will keep the rush running smoothly[/caption]
With its sights set on expanding to 7,000 locations across North America, Chipotle is seeking to attract and retain workers with improved benefits and career growth opportunities.
In 2024 alone, the company promoted 23,000 employees, with 85% of restaurant management promotions coming from within.
” We’re committed to bringing in the best candidates who share our values and onboarding them as efficiently as possible,” Ilene Eskenazi, Chipotle’s Chief Human Resources Officer said in a statement.
“‘Burrito Season’ presents candidates with an opportunity to start here, stay here, and reach their career goals with us,” Eskenazi said.
CHIPOTLE USING AI TO HIRE
To streamline hiring, Chipotle is leaning on AI.
Ava Cado, the brand’s virtual hiring assistant, has helped slash hiring times from 12 days to just four.
The chatbot, launched in partnership with AI firm Paradox, chats with candidates, schedules interviews, and even sends job offers.
Since its rollout, the system has nearly doubled applicant numbers and boosted completion rates from 50% to over 85%.
Meanwhile, Chipotle is also investing in its current workforce with new employee benefits.
Starting this year, all Chipotle workers will get free access to the Calm app, a popular mindfulness and meditation tool.
With 73% of its staff under 25, Chipotle says the perk aligns with Gen Z’s growing interest in mental wellness.
Calm joins a suite of existing benefits, including tuition reimbursement, debt-free college degrees, mental health care, and English language courses.
Employees also get a chance to earn an extra month’s pay through a crew bonus program.
Chipotle says workers enrolled in its education program are twice more likely to stay with the brand.
Also, participating workers are six times more likely to move into management roles.
VIDEOS of Chipotle customers filming workers making their orders have been flooding social media.
Chipotle allegedly sent a memo to employees telling them to fill up burrito bowls to the brim when a customer is filming while ordering, according to business and investment influencer, Alex Friedman, on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Videos have been shared across platforms of customers filming their order as workers pile their bowls high with their chosen options.
There have been some extreme cases where customers brought in camera, lighting, and sound equipment to film workers and get the most food in their bowl.
As part of its hiring push, the brand is also rolling out a new ad campaign.
The “Behind the Foil” TV spots feature real Chipotle employees who have climbed the ranks—from crew members to management.
Five of Chipotle’s 11 Regional Vice Presidents started as entry-level workers, now overseeing over $1 billion in sales each.
Eskenazi said the goal is to showcase “real career progression” at Chipotle while attracting new talent.
With burrito season kicking off in weeks, the company is betting that better benefits and faster hiring will keep the rush running smoothly.
But whether the changes can meet growing customer demand remains to be seen.
The fast-casual giant is launching a fresh recruitment spree to staff up its 3,700 restaurants for the March-to-May rush[/caption]
