6 years ago
The position has only been officially vacant for six days, so this was likely Niccol's plan. Still, the task at hand is a large one for even the most seasoned industry veteran.
Even though the chain is under new leadership, the task of improving Chipotle's brand image is a tough one for any executive, no matter how seasoned.
If Chipotle is trying to signal to Wall Street that it is stripping away distractions, it is also in danger of saying it can't walk and chew gum at the same time.
According to this columnist, food and labor costs are Chipotle's biggest problems, and a former fast food executive may be exactly who the chain needs to fix them.
After several misses, Chipotle desperately needs a hit here — and this is likely a priority for incoming CEO, Brian Niccol.
If anyone can right Chipotle, it's the executive who helped make Taco Bell cool again.
The stock market's overall performance isn't doing many businesses favors right now, but Chipotle's woes aren't helping the once darling chain.
In its recent earnings call, Chipotle executives reaffirmed the chain's commitment to mobile ordering and digital technology, but for that to work, the food has to be good, too.
Chipotle executives sounded optimistic as they admitted the chain has many obstacles to overcome in order to regain consumer trust and market share.
Here's your next great food item Chipotle: Hot churros sold while people wait in line. You're welcome.
Chipotle's message of healthier and better food has been hammered by its health scares (which, to be fair, seem to be at least partially a product of always-on social media outrage). The new CEO's first job is to change this conversation.
The problem with reports of illness caused by Chipotle — substantiated or not — is that they're immediately believable given the chain's history.
