Chipotle rolling out AI-based hiring system
Chipotle Mexican Grill is streamlining the process of hiring new employees with artificial intelligence.
The fast-casual restaurant giant is deploying the Paradox conversational hiring system in a phased approach across more than 3,500 restaurant locations. The platform uses conversational AI, which leverages machine learning and natural language processing to communicate with people in a more human-like manner, to assist GMs at Chipotle stores with administrative tasks such as collecting basic information from candidates and scheduling interviews.
An AI-based virtual employee Chipotle has nicknamed “Ava Cado” chats with candidates, answers their questions about Chipotle, collects basic information, schedules interviews for hiring managers, and sends offers to candidates who are selected by managers. Ava is multilingual and can communicate with candidates in English, Spanish, French and German.
Chipotle expects the solution to reduce the amount of time it takes to hire an employee for an in-restaurant position by as much as 75%, as well as decrease time-to-hire, reduce job advertising costs, increase hiring for hard-to-fill roles, and improve candidate experience. Completion of rollout is expected by the end of October 2024.
The retailer has also been testing AI-equipped robots to assist with a variety of kitchen tasks, such as processing avocados and assembling bowls and salads.
"As we continue to move toward our long-term goal of operating 7,000 restaurants in North America, we are empowering our teams to recruit and hire talent that are excited by our vision to cultivate a better world and want to grow with us," said Ilene Eskenazi, chief HR officer, Chipotle. "Paradox operates as if we've hired additional administrative support for all our restaurants, freeing up more time for managers to support team members and provide an exceptional guest experience. We're excited about the early improvements we're seeing."
[READ MORE: Chipotle launches $50 million venture fund to foster innovation]
Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. operates more than 3,500 restaurants as of June 30, 2024, in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Kuwait and it is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants in North America and Europe.
