Chipotle has closed the only site operating under its burger concept Tasty Made.
The company launched Tasty Made in Lancaster, Ohio in the autumn of 2016, and had spoken about rolling out further sites under the concept.
The menu included burgers, fries, and shakes with a focus on “high-quality ingredients that are grown and raised with respect for the animals, the land, and the farmers who produce them.”
Steve Ellis, founder and co-chief executive of Chipotle said at the time: “Early fast food burger restaurants generally had focused menus. We think there’s great strength in that original fast food model and wanted to create a restaurant built around that. Making only burgers, fries and shakes with really great ingredients, we think we can appeal to peoples’ timeless love of burgers, but in a way that is consistent with our long-term vision.”
Last year, the company closed the 15 sites operating under ShopHouse, its Southeast Asian fast-casual.
Launched in the US in 2011, ShopHouse offered customizable rice, noodle and salad bowls inspired by the cuisines of Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore. However, the US consumer wasn’t ready for the flavour palette the concept offered and long side other issues it was facing with its eponymous brand, Chipotle closed all 15 sites last March.
Chipotle had recently worked with chef Richard Blais on improving the offer at Tasty Made.
“While we liked the concept and the delicious food at Tasty Made, the economics were not what we wanted them to be in Lancaster, Ohio, so we have decided to close that restaurant,” said Chipotle spokesperson Chris Arnold.
“Richard Blais was never a Chipotle employee, but he has been a great partner in this venture, and his talents quickly elevated the quality of the food at Tasty Made. The decision to close is in no way a reflection on Richard or his capabilities as a chef and restaurateur, and we would certainly consider working with him again if there was a good opportunity to do so.”
