Steve Ells, founder of Chipotle, discusses transforming fast food with gourmet burritos. He shares the early challenges, rapid expansion, strategic partnerships, overcoming a food safety crisis, and transitioning to success in the burrito business. Additionally, the podcast explores the rise of Zatar as a popular condiment in stores.
Steve Ells revolutionized fast food by bringing gourmet culinary training to taqueria-style service at Chipotle.
Alexander Harik's journey from Wall Street to creating Zesty Z showcases the entrepreneurial spirit and perseverance.
Transforming a cherished family recipe into a successful business venture, Za'atar spread enters specialty stores and digital markets.
Deep dives
The Genesis of a Condiment Craze
Za'atar, a Middle Eastern spice blend, becomes a household staple for Alexander, inspiring him to create his own spread. Leaving behind his Wall Street job, Alexander ventures into producing and selling Za'atar spread. Despite initial rejection, he eventually secures placement in specialty stores like Whole Foods in New York City and online via Amazon, marking a successful journey from a heartfelt family condiment to a business venture.
From Family Table to Store Shelves
Alexander's upbringing with Za'atar as a culinary constant sparks the idea to commercialize the family recipe. Using his mom as a co-founder, he pitches the Za'atar spread to specialty stores, facing initial rejection followed by eventual success, making headway into Whole Foods and Amazon markets. The journey reflects a transformation from a cherished family flavor to a flourishing product line.
Trials and Triumphs of Entrepreneurship
Leaving his Wall Street job, Alexander embarks on launching his Za'atar spread business with tenacity and perseverance. Overcoming the hurdles of rejection from stores, he secures a breakthrough order and expands sales avenues to Amazon and Whole Foods, epitomizing the entrepreneurial spirit of turning a family favorite into a thriving commercial endeavor.
The Evolution of Za'atar into a Business Venture
The journey of Za'atar from a beloved household condiment to a marketable product line is articulated through Alexander's transition from a corporate job to creating and distributing the Za'atar spread. Through persistence and belief in his family recipe, Za'atar finds its place on specialty store shelves and digital platforms, signifying a fusion of culinary tradition and entrepreneurial success.
Resilience in Pursuit of Za'atar Spread Success
Alexander's commitment to manifesting his vision of introducing the Za'atar spread to a broader audience showcases his resilience amidst initial setbacks. With a blend of nostalgia and ambition, he navigates the challenges of retail rejection to establish Za'atar spread within the competitive market, underscoring the entrepreneurial grit required to transform a family culinary tradition into a business accomplishment.
In 1992, Steve Ells was a classically trained chef working in a high-end restaurant in San Francisco. But after eating a burrito at a local taqueria, he got an idea: to sell burritos and earn enough money to open his own gourmet restaurant. The first Chipotle opened in Denver the following year. Bringing his culinary training to taqueria-style service, Steve Ells helped transform the way we eat fast food. PLUS for our postscript "How You Built That," how Alexander Harik turned his mom's recipe for za'atar spread—a fragrant Middle Eastern condiment—into Zesty Z: The Za'atar Company.
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