Chipotle Mexican Grill is leveraging artificial intelligence to fuel rapid growth, with plans to open nearly one new location every day in 2025, according to the company’s Chief Operating Officer, Scott Boatwright.
Speaking at Fortune’s COO Summit this week, Boatwright said the popular fast-casual chain is expanding at an “exponential rate.” He emphasized that the need for “highly capable, purpose-driven, value-oriented individuals” has never been greater as the company scales.
A key driver of this acceleration is Chipotle’s AI-based hiring tool, named Ava Cado. Launched in partnership with tech firm Paradox in October 2024, Ava Cado streamlines the recruitment process, reducing the time it takes to hire new team members by about 75%, according to Boatwright.
The virtual assistant communicates directly with job candidates, answering questions, collecting necessary information, scheduling interviews, and even sending offer letters after managerial approval. “It not only helps us keep our restaurants staffed but ensures we have the best talent available in the industry,” Boatwright told Fortune.
Chipotle stresses that its use of artificial intelligence is not about replacing employees, but enhancing their work experience and eliminating inefficiencies. Boatwright noted that the company applies AI not only to speed up hiring but also to improve the customer experience. Personalized offers and promotions sent through Chipotle’s rewards program are powered by AI to better engage guests and encourage repeat visits.
As of the end of March 2025, Chipotle operated nearly 3,800 restaurants worldwide, with about 3,700 located in the United States. The company aims to open 315 to 345 new restaurants in the coming year, most of which—around 80%—will feature Chipotlanes, drive-thru pickup lanes designed to enhance speed and convenience for digital orders.
In terms of financial performance, Chipotle posted strong results in the first quarter. The company reported nearly $2.9 billion in total revenue, a 6.4% increase from the same period last year. Net income rose to $386.6 million, highlighting both strong sales and operational efficiency.
Chipotle’s second-quarter earnings are expected to be announced in July, with industry analysts watching closely to see if the company maintains its growth momentum.
As Chipotle doubles down on both AI innovation and aggressive expansion, the company appears committed to evolving the fast-casual experience for both employees and customers alike.
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