Chipotle announces new menu
Chipotle Mexican Grill has announced that it’s bringing one of its most popular, innovative protein items back to its menu, after receiving “thousands of comments asking for its return,” according to its official press release.
What Is Chipotle Bringing Back to Its Menu?
The press release confirmed that Chipotle is returning its Chicken al Pastor dish to its restaurants across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany for a limited time starting Tuesday, February 10.
What Is Chipotle’s Chicken al Pastor?
Chipotle describes Chicken al Pastor as grilled chicken marinated with seared morita peppers, ground achiote (which gives the chicken a deep orange coloring and an earthy, mildly peppery flavor, according to a Spice Alibaba guide), a splash of pineapple, fresh lime, and hand-chopped cilantro. According to the press release, the dish is made daily, in small batches, so it’s always fresh.
The dish was first brought to the menu three years ago, as the brand’s first global innovation dish, and, according to Chipotle, wowed customers with its “unique, bold flavor.”
Why Chipotle Is Bringing Back Chicken al Pastor
Chipotle said that Chicken al Pastor had received more than twice as many requests on social media for its return as any other limited‑time item in its history, and the company scheduled a “Fan Day” on Monday, February 9, to thank supporters—offering Chipotle Rewards members early access via the app and online ordering platforms ahead of the official February 10 launch.
Some of the comments that were made on the social media platform X include:
“Chicken al pastor at Chipotle is the top top limited-time menu item at any chain.”
“Chipotle, bring back the chicken al pastor.”
“Just bring the Al pastor back, please.”
To support the launch, it’s also offering free delivery (within areas from participating U.S. and Canada restaurants) on Chicken al Pastor orders that have been made through the Chipotle app or website from February 14 through February 28, with a minimum purchase requirement of $10 or 12 Canadian dollars.
Chipotle is also planning to ramp up its menu innovation initiatives, aiming to increase the launch of new, limited-time menu offerings as its internal data showed that customers who bought one of its limited-time offerings tended to spend more over the course of the year than those who didn’t. In the press release, Chipotle said, “These craveable new items drive trial and keep Chipotle more visible, relevant, and loved throughout the year.”
Something which Nevielle Panthaky, vice president of culinary at Chipotle, supported by saying, “Chicken al Pastor’s comeback is a preview of what’s in store this year at Chipotle.”
