Chipotle, Mike’s Red Tacos, Wonder
Chipotle Mexican Grill is expanding its apprentice program with a goal of having the role in every restaurant by the end of 2027. The company said the approximately 75% of restaurants that already have this position in place generate stronger operational scores than those do not. The apprentice position serves as a pipeline to the general manager role, and provides additional coverage during peak periods and weekends. The company said apprentices allow general managers to distribute responsibilities more effectively and improve digital execution and consistency. Chipotle has leveraged the apprentice manager pipeline program since 2016 when it partnered with Guild Education to create more opportunities for employees to earn college credits and pursue degrees. The program has yielded a 77% internal promotion rate. Its expansion comes as the company plans to nearly double its North American footprint.
Growing Southern California birria brand Mike’s Red Tacos has received an assist from LeBron James. The NBA player and future Hall of Famer made an undisclosed investment in the brand as it prepares to open its first Los Angeles-area restaurant in Pasadena. James was also an early investor in Blaze Pizza and Dave’s Hot Chicken, co-founded and led by Bill Phelps, who was an early investor in Mike’s Red Tacos and its current chair. The investment comes as Mike’s has more than 300 franchise locations in development nationwide.
Wonder has a surprising new stakeholder. DoorDash is investing $125 million into the food hall and delivery company as part of a new strategic partnership. It is also acquiring Grubhub’s campus dining business from Wonder for $300 million. Wonder will use the funds to help fuel new-unit growth and technology investments. DoorDash said it supports Wonder’s goal to “expand access to world-class food” and also sees a lot of potential in campus dining.
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