Chipotle targets national catering launch in 2027

Chipotle Mexican Grill is preparing for a nationwide catering launch in 2027 to capture more group dining occasions. Catering and Build-Your-Own Chipotle currently generate between 2% and 3% of the company's total sales. Chipotle considers these formats operationally efficient and incremental to revenue under its Recipe for Growth strategy.

The company ran initial catering tests in Chicago, Boston and Phoenix. These pilots helped Chipotle evaluate operations and technology across its direct channels and third-party marketplaces. At the same time, Chipotle repositioned Build-Your-Own meals as family options, highlighting convenience and value. Management noted that orders rose noticeably after the change.

Chipotle shares have dropped 24.6% over the past year, compared with an 11.1% decline across its industry. The stock trades at a forward price-to-sales multiple of 2.78, below the industry average of 2.87. Meanwhile, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings per share implies a 2.6% decline year over year, with revisions moving lower over the past 30 days.