No. 2: Chipotle Mexican Grill
With a Top 100-leading surge in estimated sales per unit, at 13.6 percent, Chipotle Mexican Grill rose to the second fastest-growing chain in this year’s report. The brand’s improving unit-level volumes were driven by increased menu pricing undertaken
in 2014, which most customers simply swallowed, as well as new menu items like Sofritas, a tofu-based protein option introduced at the beginning of 2014, which had helped to drive traffic. Chipotle continues to be a relevant food brand with a growing consumer base looking for items coming from antibiotic-free livestock or free from genetically modified organisms. The brand’s “food with integrity” message has clearly carried weight.
Find out why this chain made the Top 10 >>
Segment: Mexican
Sales growth: 27.3%
Total sales: $4.1 billion
Sales rank: 14
Total units: 1,755 (+11.6%)
ESPU: $2.4 million (+13.6%)