Steve Ells

Steve Ells, the visionary founder of Chipotle and Kernel, discusses his journey from revolutionizing fast casual dining to launching a highly automated vegan restaurant concept. He shares insights on how climate change informs his new venture and his belief that robots can enhance the dining experience for everyone. Ells explores the balance between technology and human touch in restaurants, the rise of plant-based options, and the importance of innovation and leadership in reshaping the food industry.

Chipotle founder Steve Ells discusses his culinary journey from working with Jeremiah Tower to opening Chipotle. He talks about his new restaurant Kernel with a robotic arm, plant-based chicken sandwiches, and the importance of quality ingredients and employee empowerment. The podcast also covers his favorite food cities, biking experiences in Europe, and culinary expertise.

In this engaging conversation, Steve Ells, the founder of Chipotle and a classically trained chef, shares his journey from high-end restaurants to creating a fast-casual dining revolution. He reveals how a burrito inspired him to start Chipotle and the challenges he faced, including a major food safety crisis. Ells discusses his commitment to quality and the evolution of consumer expectations in fast food. He reflects on the balance of luck and preparation in entrepreneurship as he navigated the brand's rapid growth and transformation.

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, founder of Chipotle, returns with Kernel, an innovative plant-based restaurant aiming to shift the fast-casual landscape. He shares how automation can enhance worker wages and benefits without sacrificing quality. The conversation dives into the integration of tech in food prep, challenging the notion of a 'robot restaurant.' Ells also emphasizes the environmental benefits of a plant-based diet while discussing the importance of appealing to all diners, including meat eaters, with unique flavors and sustainable practices.