Tag Archives: restaurant

They’ve done it again.  Chipotle and Panera Bread ranked at the top in the 2010 U.S. Restaurant Satisfaction Study conducted by J.D. Power and Associates.  Chipotle placed in eight of the ten markets—by far, the best showing for any restaurant. This recognition comes on the heels of countless others and exceptional performance.

Chipotle is the fastest-growing restaurant chain ever, having expanded from one location in 1993 to more than 1,000 restaurants today.  In 2009, the chain saw a 14% sales increase to $1.5 billion.  In that same year, Panera Bread’s sales increased 7% to $2.8 billion, and the chain is on pace for a long-term growth rate of 15%-20% annually for the next three to five years.

These are impressive numbers in any context, but considering the state of the restaurant business as a whole that same-store sales continue to be negative across all restaurant segments, it’s exceptionally noteworthy.

What have these two companies done so right?

Both restaurant chains deliver quality food with integrity.  Both Chipotle and Panera source only naturally raised, antibiotic-free chicken.  Chipotle uses only pasture-raised, vegetarian-fed pork and dairy products from rBST-free cows. Both chains seek out local, organic produce when it’s available. There are taste benefits associated with all of these details and “customers notice,” according to Steve Ellis, Chipotle’s founder and co-CEO—who happens also to be a Culinary Institute of America graduate.  Read more...