Chipotle Takes a Page, and a C.E.O., From Taco Bell
Chipotle Takes a Page, and a C.E.O., From Taco Bell
Mr. Niccol is tasked with replicating his success transforming Taco Bell from a fast food afterthought
to a social media-savvy company with sleek new stores and the hugely popular Doritos Locos Tacos.
Brian Niccol, the chief executive of Taco Bell, will replace Chipotle’s founder, Steve Ells, as chief executive on March 5, Chipotle said on Tuesday.
“His expertise in digital technologies, restaurant operations
and branding make him a perfect fit for Chipotle as we seek to enhance our customer experience, drive sales growth and make our brand more relevant,” Mr. Ells said in a statement.
Last year, the company was targeted by hackers, excoriated on social media after a video of
rodents in one of its restaurants went viral and pummeled by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
Chains like Panera Bread and Five Guys grew popular as consumers sought the convenience of fast food but the quality of sit-down establishments.
Chipotle has spent the past few years struggling to recover from a string of
food safety crises, abandonment by its customers and a plunging stock price.
Mr. Niccol is tasked with replicating his success transforming Taco Bell from a fast food afterthought
to a social media-savvy company with sleek new stores and the hugely popular Doritos Locos Tacos.
Brian Niccol, the chief executive of Taco Bell, will replace Chipotle’s founder, Steve Ells, as chief executive on March 5, Chipotle said on Tuesday.
“His expertise in digital technologies, restaurant operations
and branding make him a perfect fit for Chipotle as we seek to enhance our customer experience, drive sales growth and make our brand more relevant,” Mr. Ells said in a statement.
Last year, the company was targeted by hackers, excoriated on social media after a video of
rodents in one of its restaurants went viral and pummeled by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
Chains like Panera Bread and Five Guys grew popular as consumers sought the convenience of fast food but the quality of sit-down establishments.
Chipotle has spent the past few years struggling to recover from a string of
food safety crises, abandonment by its customers and a plunging stock price.