Chipotle’s new CEO, Scott Boatwright, has announced plans to modernize the restaurant’s kitchens by introducing automation and robotics. Boatwright told Yahoo Finance that transforming the kitchen, which has remained largely unchanged for 30 years, is key to expanding Chipotle’s reach from 3,600 to 7,000 locations.
As part of its push toward automation, Chipotle is testing Hyphen’s digital makeline system in Southern California. This technology uses a conveyor belt to assemble bowls and salads, automatically dispensing ingredients in just 30 to 60 seconds. Boatwright emphasized that automating online orders, which account for 65% of bowl and salad sales, will allow employees to focus on in-store orders and burritos.
Chipotle is also experimenting with robotic solutions like “Autocado,” which peels and cores avocados for guacamole, and produce slicers that ensure consistent cut sizes.
These innovations come as Chipotle faces scrutiny for raising prices amid customer complaints about portion sizes. Addressing the criticism, Boatwright stated, “We think about value very differently [than competitors] at Chipotle.”
Earlier this year, a report by the Wall Street Journal revealed California fast-food restaurants were scaling back their staff ahead of a state law that will increase the minimum wage to $20 per hour.
Brian Hom, owner of two Açaí bowl restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area, revealed to the Wall Street Journal that he plans to operate stores with only two staff members instead of four and intends to raise prices by 10%. He also expressed consideration of relocating his business to another state.
Franchisees for Pizza Hut and Round Table Pizza disclosed plans to eliminate 1,280 delivery drivers, according to the WSJ.
Michael Ojeda, 29, who had worked as a delivery driver for Pizza Hut for nearly a decade, shared his dismay, stating, “Pizza Hut was my career for nearly a decade and with little to no notice it was taken away.” Ojeda mentioned that he had been supporting both his mother and partner with his delivery wages.
Other chains are exploring automation in their operations. El Pollo Loco reportedly informed investors of plans to introduce robots in its salsa making. Jack in the Box, with nearly 1,000 locations in California, is said to be testing fryer robots and automated drink dispensers.