Join Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler as they sit down with Stephanie Perdue, VP of Brand Marketing at Chipotle Mexican Grill, to discuss how the fast casual leader is navigating industry challenges. Learn about Chipotle's accelerated menu innovation strategy, including fresh sauces made daily and the new Build Your Own meal for groups. Discover how they're winning back Gen Z through gamification, the Chipotle U rewards program, and transparent food storytelling. Stephanie shares insights on digital transformation with 38% of sales now digital, AI initiatives empowering crew members, and the strategic roadmap for 2026 amid industrywide headwinds.
#FastCasual #RestaurantIndustry #Chipotle
Episode Highlights
0:00 - Intro & fast casual overview
0:19 - Economic shifts & traffic decline
0:46 - Guest: Stephanie Perdue, VP of Brand at Chipotle
1:17 - Rise of “micro meals” & snacking trend
3:10 - How fast casual brands are adapting
4:20 - Gen Z habits & fewer restaurant visits
5:12 - Inside Chipotle’s marketing & menu innovation
7:46 - Gen Z’s love for bold flavor & customization
8:00 - New family meal concept & digital ordering
10:05 - Convenience for families & busy lifestyles
12:00 - Connecting with Gen Z through rewards & authenticity
13:49 - Balancing quality, value, and rising costs
14:38 - Using creators to highlight real ingredients
15:55 - Portion size debate & customer perception
17:34 - Rewards, nutrition goals & app experience
19:46 - Listening to customers & TikTok hacks
20:30 - New sauces & flavor innovation


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