A buyer prepares to eat on the first Chipotle fast-food restaurant in northeastern Mexico on its opening day in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Mexico, July 16, 2026.
Daniel Becerril | Reuters
Chipotle Mexican Grill on Wednesday raised its same-store gross sales development forecast for the yr after topping analysts’ quarterly earnings and income expectations.
The restaurant firm is now projecting that its same-store gross sales will enhance by a low single digit share in 2026, greater than its earlier outlook of flat same-store gross sales for the total yr.
After a shaky 2025, Chipotle is efficiently luring prospects again — even with spiking gasoline costs and different greater prices pressuring eating budgets.
“We’re seeing encouraging progress as a result of we’re targeted on the fitting development drivers—bringing significant menu innovation to our visitors, deepening engagement by way of Chipotle Rewards, elevating hospitality in each restaurant, and increasing alternatives to serve extra group events,” CEO Scott Boatwright mentioned in a press release.
The report got here amid heightened scrutiny of meals security at chains serving recent lettuce as a result of U.S. cyclospora outbreak. Firm executives on a name with analysts mentioned that Chipotle “maintains a really sturdy meals security program.” The corporate mentioned its lettuce is sourced from California and isn’t impacted by the outbreak.
Nonetheless, Chipotle mentioned the cyclospora outbreak had a few 2 share level affect on gross sales within the second half of July, which it included into its steerage.
Here is what the corporate reported in contrast with what Wall Avenue was anticipating, primarily based on a survey of analysts by LSEG:
- Earnings per share: 33 cents adjusted vs. 32 cents anticipated
- Income: $3.35 billion vs. $3.33 billion anticipated
The corporate’s inventory climbed about 6% in prolonged buying and selling.
Chipotle reported second-quarter web revenue of $403.5 million, or 32 cents per share, down from $436.1 million, or 32 cents per share, a yr earlier. Excluding impairment and restructuring prices and different objects, the corporate earned 33 cents per share.
Income climbed 9.3% to $3.35 billion.
Identical-store gross sales rose 2.2%, lifted by a 1% enhance in site visitors to eating places. Whole test measurement inched up 1.2% in contrast with the year-ago interval.
On a name with analysts, Boatwright mentioned the corporate’s efficiency was pushed by power in its seasonal Chipotle Honey Rooster and not too long ago launched cilantro lime sauce, in addition to its rewards program.
Boatwright additionally mentioned Chipotle’s menu innovation had an “outsized affect” on it successful over each youthful customers and lower-income diners.
“We imagine Chipotle continues to supply one of many strongest worth propositions within the business,” Boatwright mentioned on the decision.
Throughout the quarter, Chipotle opened 100 new areas and one worldwide restaurant operated by a associate.
