Chipotle introduces catering program, Burritos by the Box

Chipotle Mexican Grill is rolling out a new catering program that will bring its customizable menu to groups of up to 200, the company said Tuesday.

Restaurants in Colorado will begin offering the catering program on Jan. 21, the company said. In the coming months, all markets for the 1,350-unit fast-casual chain will offer catering.

Chipotle joins a growing number of limited-service restaurant chains that see an opportunity to build off-premise sales. Chains such as The Counter, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes have recently launched or have been rapidly building catering programs. Burger King is testing delivery in several markets, and Taco Bell is offering a variety Taco 12 Pack to go.

Chipotle’s program allows guests to cater meals featuring its “Food With Integrity.”

“We are changing the way people think about and eat fast food by offering our customers better ingredients from more sustainable sources in a way that is affordable and accessible,” Steve Ells, Chipotle’s founder, chair and co-chief executive, said in a statement. “With catering, we can now better serve our customers by allowing them to bring Chipotle into their homes, offices and schools, where they can conveniently and effortlessly share the food that they love with large groups of people,” he added.

Designed for groups of 20 to 200, the program will include a taco and burrito bowl spread that can be ordered with two or three meats, such as grilled chicken or steak, shredded barbacoa, or carnitas.