Chipotle Mexican Grill sees positive same-store sales in Q3 after a negative Q2Chipotle Mexican Grill sees positive same-store sales in Q3 after a negative Q2

After experiencing a severe decline in same-store sales in the second-quarter, which reflected the full impact of the pandemic, Chipotle Mexican Grill is back in positive territory.

The Newport Beach, Calif.-based chain reported an 8.3% increase in comparable store sales for the third quarter ended Sept. 30. That compares to a 9.8% decline in same-store sales in the previous quarter, a period when most restaurants remained closed for dine-in orders.

Since the onset of the pandemic in March, Chipotle Mexican Grill has turned to its robust digital channels to boost sales. This quarter, digital sales grew 202.5% and accounted for 48.8% of sales. About half of the digital sales were via delivery.Revenue increased 14.1% to $1.6 billion.

CEO Brian Niccol thanked Chipotle team members for helping the brand execute outstanding third quarter results.

“I have never been more confident that Chipotle is a powerful brand committed to fostering a culture that values and champions our diversity, while leveraging the individual talents of all team members,” NIccol said in a statement. “As a result of a strong brand, committed employees, and broad financial strength, we remain excited about Chipotle's powerful economic model and our long-term potential.”

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