STARTED AS CREW:2003RESTAURANTS
HE NOW OVERSEES:57
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SAHUL
Q: Why did you make the decision to work at Chipotle?
A: I was staying with my dad's side of the family and was just looking for a summer job. I saw a new Chipotle location and decided to ask for an application. I didn't know at the time that this would turn into the career I have today, but I loved the food and thought it would be a fun place to work.
Q: How long did it take you to be promoted?
A: It took about 9 months to be promoted to General Manager and this was before the Restaurateur position existed so I waited a few years for that next promotion. Today, 8 years after starting with Chipotle I am a Team Director overseeing 50+ restaurants and 1400+ employees.
Q: How has Chipotle impacted your life?
A: Chipotle has changed my entire family's life. I didn't have a lot growing up and now I have been able to change that cycle for my family. I bought my first home and have been able to provide a great life for my family. I can't imagine what my life would be like if I did not make the decision to work here.
Q: What is your favorite menu item?
A: Chicken burrito with cilantro lime rice, vegetarian black beans, roasted chili corn salsa, green tomatillo salsa, sour cream and cheese.
Q: What advice do you have for someone interested in Chipotle?
A: Be prepared to work hard in order to be successful here. You must be able to elevate the people around you. Chipotle is all about the people culture and believes that the only way to run great restaurants is by having the best team of people.
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SAHULSTARTED AS CREW:2003RESTAURANTS
HE NOW OVERSEES:57
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STARTED AS CREW:2002RESTAURANTS
SHE NOW OVERSEES:1
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ESME
Q: Why did you make the decision to work at Chipotle?
A: Every time I went to chipotle I had a fantastic experience, the food was delicious and it tasted different from other fast food restaurants. The way the employees treated me as a customer was amazing. I never saw anyone upset and it seemed like everyone really enjoyed their job.
Q: How long did it take you to be promoted?
A: It took me a while to become General Manager, mostly because I just wasn't ready for it yet. After that, it only took me 5 months to get promoted to Restaurateur.
Q: What advice do you have for someone interested in Chipotle?
A: Be ready for an experience that will change all aspects of life, that include the way they eat and the opportunity to help and develop others to be a part of the great people culture that we have here.
Q: How does Chipotle compare to other companies you worked for?
A: Chipotle empowers you to make your own decisions. We are also impacting food culture by supporting local farmers. The way this company cares about the environment, its customers, and the animals really is special and something you don't see any other fast food chain do at all!
Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
A: I love to spend time with my daughter by going to the movies together and shopping. I also love art, dance and spending time with my family and best friends.
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ESMESTARTED AS CREW:2002RESTAURANTS
SHE NOW OVERSEES:1
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STARTED IN:2007RESTAURANTS
HE NOW OVERSEES:10
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ROB
Q: Why did you make the decision to work at Chipotle?
A: I chose to work for Chipotle because my wife grew up with Chipotle. She introduced me to the food and I loved it. When I heard Chipotle was coming to the Philadelphia area I was quick to apply. I wasn't going anywhere with the restaurant company I was with at the time.
Q: How has Chipotle impacted your life?
A: Chipotle has given me the opportunity to realize my potential. At any other restaurant company I wouldn't have been encouraged to be more and to do more with my life. I would probably still be stuck in a Kitchen Manager or Assistant Manager position if I hadn't started working at Chipotle.
Q: What is your favorite menu item?
A: It changes every few months, when I first started it was the Barbacoa then Chicken and recently I have been enjoying the Carnitas.
Q: What advice do you have for someone interested in Chipotle?
A: Come to work every day with desire and passion for what you do, never give up on your goals. Only come to work for Chipotle if you can devote yourself to making yourself, your team and the restaurant better.
Q: How does Chipotle compare to other companies you worked for?
A: Chipotle cares for its people and wants them to succeed. Other companies I worked for just cared about profits and not about employees. Because I reached Restaurateur Chipotle provides me with a company car, cell phone and laptop. The last company I worked for took away our 401K program, changed the way salaried managers were paid by making you clock in and out and took the food from fresh to vacuum packed.
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ROBSTARTED IN:2007RESTAURANTS
HE NOW OVERSEES:10
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STARTED AS CREW:2005RESTAURANTS
SHE NOW OVERSEES:2
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ANGEL
Q: Why did you make the decision to work at Chipotle?
A: I started to work for Chipotle while I was in College. I heard that Chipotle had paid breaks and you ate for free - perfect in the eyes of a college student! I brought in my resume, filled out an application and an interview or two later, I was hired!
Q: How long did it take you to be promoted?
A: I worked at Chipotle while I was still in college so I took about 4 years to grow from crew member to General Manager. After being a GM for a year and a half, I was promoted to Restaurateur.
Q: What is your favorite menu item?
A: My first love was a steak burrito with black beans, hot salsa, and guacamole. My current obsession is the vegetarian salad with black beans, fajitas, tomatillo green salsa and guacamole.
Q: What advice do you have for someone interested in Chipotle?
A: Chipotle is more than just coming in for a paycheck and it doesn't matter if you work 2 or 5 days a week. It is about enjoying what you do, the people you work with and making an impact every day you come to work. If you are passionate about food, enjoy working with people and commit yourself to more than just your own success, you'll fit in just fine.
Q: How does Chipotle compare to other companies you worked for?
A: In my previous jobs, the opportunity to grow did not even exist or it would take someone a lifetime to be recognized or given a promotion. I believe that this is one reason why I love my job so much is because at Chipotle all of our best employees are recognized and given the opportunity to grow.
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ANGELSTARTED AS CREW:2005RESTAURANTS
SHE NOW OVERSEES:2
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STARTED AS CREW:2003RESTAURANTS
HE NOW OVERSEES:3
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TERRY
Q: Why did you make the decision to work at Chipotle?
A: Chipotle came to a Career Fair at the University of Houston where I was studying Hotel/Restaurant Management. I was somewhat familiar with Chipotle as I had been there a few times and liked how it was fast food but you could see the food being prepared fresh in front of the customers.
Q: How long did it take you to be promoted?
A: I was promoted to General Manager in May of 2005. I became a Restaurateur five years later and started to oversee additional restaurants only a few months after becoming a Restaurateur.
Q: What is your favorite menu item?
A: The naturally raised Barbacoa, I have not been able to stay away from it. It is so flavorful and delicious.
Q: How has Chipotle impacted your life?
A: Chipotle has had a huge impact on my life. I was a recent graduate with no management experience and Chipotle gave me an opportunity, developed me and molded me into the leader I am today.
Q: How does Chipotle compare to other companies you worked for?
A: Chipotle has great benefits and they give people from all walks of life an opportunity to grow into a leadership position. It is awesome to work at a restaurant where you can eat the food everyday and be proud of what you’re eating.
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TERRYSTARTED AS CREW:2003RESTAURANTS
HE NOW OVERSEES:3
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STARTED AS CREW:2005RESTAURANTS
HE NOW OVERSEES:7
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ALFREDO
Q: Why did you make the decision to work at Chipotle?
A: I applied to work at Chipotle because I loved the food and I would eat there on my lunch break from school at least three times a week. Â The atmosphere seemed great and the people were friendly so I saw myself fitting in with the team.
Q: How long did it take you to be promoted?
A: It took me a little over a year to become a General Manager and nine months to be promoted to Restaurateur.
Q: How has Chipotle impacted your life?
A: Chipotle has impacted my life by helping me to grow and mature as an adult. Chipotle has taught me about the value of working with great people. I have had the opportunity to help many others grow within the company change their lives on a personal level.
Q: What is your favorite menu item?
A: My favorite menu item is the steak fajita burrito with brown rice, red hot tomatillo salsa, sour cream cheese, guacamole and lettuce.
Q: What advice do you have for someone interested in Chipotle?
A: Believe in the opportunity that Chipotle offers, give yourself the chance to discover how amazing it is to be part of this family.
Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
A: I love to play soccer and spend time with my friends. I also really enjoy when I have the opportunity to introduce someone to Chipotle for the first time or tell them a little more about what we do.
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ALFREDOSTARTED AS CREW:2005RESTAURANTS
HE NOW OVERSEES:7
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STARTED AS CREW:2000RESTAURANTS
SHE NOW OVERSEES:10
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IRMA
Q: Why did you make the decision to work at Chipotle?
A: When I originally got hired it was just a part-time job to provide a second source of income. I actually walked in to help someone I knew apply for a job there. The manager there asked me if I wanted to fill out an application as well. In the end, I was offered a position.
Q: How long did it take you to be promoted?
A: It took 18 months to go from crew member to General Manager. At that time we didn't have the Restaurateur program but once it was rolled out, it took me about 14 months to achieve that elite position.
Q: How has Chipotle impacted your life?
A: It has changed the way I eat and I've lost my taste for fast food, I'm more conscious about what I eat and where it came from. When possible, I choose organic and healthier options. Even more important is that I am able to provide a better way of life to my son.
Q: What is your favorite menu item?
A: A pair of soft corn tacos, one chicken or carnitas and one steak, both with green tomatillo salsa, fresh tomato salsa, a little sour cream and lettuce. Some chips and a side of sour cream, corn salsa and green salsa mixed complete the meal for me.
Q: What advice do you have for someone interested in Chipotle?
A: The first thing I would share with them is Chipotle's vision and mission to change the way that people think about and eat fast food. I would encourage people to believe in building a career here, not just a job. There are so many opportunities to grow.
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IRMASTARTED AS CREW:2000RESTAURANTS
SHE NOW OVERSEES:10
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STARTED AS CREW:2008RESTAURANTS
SHE NOW OVERSEES:1
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TONIA
Q: Why did you make the decision to work at Chipotle?
A: I had my own business running a daycare but I decided to relocate to Arizona because I wanted change in my life. It was difficult to find work because people did not want to give me a chance. I walked in to Chipotle expecting them to say no like everyone else but instead the General Manager said you have something that we are looking for.
Q: How long did it take you to be promoted?
A: I remember when I was approached about becoming a Kitchen Manager. I was surprised that someone who had no experience could become a Manager. I thought it was a joke. Once I became a Kitchen Manager it took me about 18 months to become a General Manager and now I am on the path to become a Restaurateur.
Q: What advice do you have for someone interested in Chipotle?
A: I would tell them that they could not have picked a better company to want to work for. That they are in for an opportunity that could change the way they think about a fast food restaurant and the quality of food that they are serving.
Q: What is your favorite menu item?
A: My favorite is the veggie bowl with brown rice, pinto beans, corn salsa, green tomatillo salsa, red tomatillo salsa, cheese and guacamole.
Q: How has Chipotle impacted your life?
A: Chipotle has taught me so much but I think the biggest thing that I have learned is that I can do anything. Chipotle has trained me to not compromise my standards at work or in my personal life. Hard work and determination does not go unnoticed and that this is truly a company that is about changing people lives.
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TONIASTARTED AS CREW:2008RESTAURANTS
SHE NOW OVERSEES:1
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STARTED AS CREW:2004RESTAURANTS
HE NOW OVERSEES:3
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ALDO
Q: Why did you make the decision to work at Chipotle?
A: When I applied at Chipotle, I didn't know much about the restaurant business. My friend was working at Chipotle and he invited me to try it for the first time. It was like nothing I had tried before and I loved it. I asked about an opportunity, and I applied.
Q: How long did it take you to be promoted?
A: I worked my way up from crew member to General Manager in 2009; from there it took me a year to become a Restaurateur.
Q: How does Chipotle compare to other companies you worked for?
A: There is no comparison. Chipotle has opportunities for anybody who wants to grow and be successful. My job as a Restaurateur is to help develop others into management positions and I love being able to have that impact on other people's lives.
Q: What do you like best about working here?
A: I like that Chipotle actually cares about important issues that make changes in food culture and in the community. I like the environment and the people who I got the chance to work with. I truly enjoy coming to work every day.
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ALDOSTARTED AS CREW:2004RESTAURANTS
HE NOW OVERSEES:3
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STARTED AS CREW:2006RESTAURANTS
HE NOW OVERSEES:4
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REGINO
Q: Why did you make the decision to work at Chipotle?
A: My friend was working at Chipotle and he encouraged me to apply. He said it was a great company that did a lot for their people. I went on several interviews and my last was with the general manager who told me about everything Chipotle has to offer which helped me make my final decision to work here.
Q: How long did it take you to be promoted?
A: I was hired on as crew and within the first two years became a General Manager. Shortly after that I was promoted to Restaurateur. Then I was selected to open the market in Nashville.
Q: How has Chipotle impacted your life?
A: My favorite is the barbacoa burrito with cilantro lime rice, pinto beans, two scoops of red tomatillo salsa, cheese and a touch of guacamole.
Q: What advice do you have for someone interested in Chipotle?
A: If you are passionate about food and looking for a career change, talk with one of our managers to see what it's like to work here.
Q: What does the future hold for your career at Chipotle?
A: I would love to open more new markets for Chipotle or be a part of our international growth, I am confident that there will always be a new challenge here for me.
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REGINOSTARTED AS CREW:2006RESTAURANTS
HE NOW OVERSEES:4
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