Chipotle provides delivery customization, transparency

The fast-casual restaurant chain is offering free delivery on any order $10 or more via the Chipotle app and Chipotle.com.  The company  did not name the coronavirus as the reason behind the offer.  But it did note that the deliveries will feature a new, tamper evident packaging seal to help ensure food is untouched during delivery.  It also noted that that prior to placing an online order, customers can add special instructions asking drivers to limit their direct contact with them.

Chipotle is also rolling out a Delivery Kitchen order customization feature nationally.The feature customizes orders via a dedicated ingredient line operated by a special team. It  has also introduced a new delivery tracker to provide step-by-step real-time updates, enabling customers to follow their order from the restaurant to their location. 

In addition to delivery orders, Delivery Kitchens service customers who are ordering ahead for pick up and through “Chipotlanes,” the brand's drive-thru lanes that allow customers to pick up mobile orders without leaving their cars.

"Our Delivery Kitchen is like a Chipotle within a Chipotle, preparing real, fresh, personalized bowls and burritos solely for digital guests," said Chris Brandt, chief marketing officer, Chipotle Mexican Grill. "Chipotle is the first brand to scale this concept nationally with over 2,500 restaurants featuring the unique set-up for digital orders."

Chipotle Mexican Grill had over 2,600 restaurants as of Dec. 31, 2019 in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., France and Germany, and says it is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its locations.