This new unit in El Centro, Calif., is an example of Chipotle's move into smaller "bridge" cities. / Photographs courtesy of CP Partners Commercial Real Estate
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Financing
Despite their complaints, customers keep flocking to Chipotle
The Bottom Line: The chain continued to be a juggernaut last quarter, with strong sales and traffic growth, despite frequent social media complaints about shrinkflation or other challenges.
Operations
Hitting resistance elsewhere, ghost kitchens and virtual concepts find a happy home in family dining
Reality Check: Old-guard chains are finding the alternative operations to be persistently effective side hustles.
Financing
The Tijuana Flats bankruptcy highlights the dangers of menu miscues
The Bottom Line: The fast-casual chain’s problems following new menu debuts in 2021 and 2022 show that adding new items isn’t always the right idea.