Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) Q1 2026 earnings
Traffic to Chipotle restaurants increased 0.6%. In the year-ago period, the chain saw transactions dip 2.3%, an early warning sign that diners werent visiting as frequently. While many restaurant chains saw traffic and sales weaken in 2024, Chipotle initially bucked the trend. But last year was tough for the fast-casual chain and other restaurants at similar price points. Customers, concerned about the broader economy and their disposable incomes, werent going to its restaurants as often to save money. Chipotle addressed the downturn by trying to improve restaurant operations and adding new menu items. On Monday, the company announced Fernando Machado, an alumnus of Restaurant Brands International, as its newest chief brand officer. For the full year, the company reiterated its previous projection of flat same-store sales. Executives previously said the outlook is “conservative,” citing unpredictable consumer trends. The economy has only become more volatile since Chipotles last earnings report; the U.S. war with Iran has led to climbing fuel prices, and few companies have opted to raise their full-year outlooks in recent weeks. Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.