Chipotle customers outraged over CEO's 'crazy' portion advice
Topics: US Food, Fast Food, Social Media
Ella Scott
Featured Image Credit: Erik McGregor/LightRocket via Getty Images
Topics: US Food, Fast Food, Social Media
Chipotle customers are divided after the company’s CEO responded to reports that price hikes would be imminent as business margins remain ‘under pressure’ in 2026.
It was reported earlier this year that executives at the fast-food giant planned to raise menu prices by one to two percent following a 1.7 percent drop in its 2025 earnings report, as per Business Insider.
Chipotle Mexican Grill, founded in Colorado in 1993, said it was adamant that it wouldn’t lose its core customer base, which allegedly has an average household income of about $100,000 a year.
It joins a broader wave of restaurants increasing menu prices, such as McDonald’s, which has predicted that continued conflict in Iran will push prices up.
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Scott Boatwright, Chipotle’s Chief Executive Officer, has advised fans on what to do to possibly offset incoming costs.
According to the businessman, who was appointed CEO in August 2024, customers who feel as if their burrito isn’t big enough may ask their server to add extra ingredients.
This may look like an additional portion of rice, extra beans, salsa or even a handful more vegetables.
In an interview with Yahoo Finance’s Power Players podcast, Boatwright explained that asking ‘for a little more’ has always been the chain’s ethos.
“And it is still to this day. We serve big beautiful bowls and burritos. Full stop, no questions asked.
“If you want more, just ask the team member. I promise you there’s never a team member on that line that’s going to say no.”
However, Sporked mentioned that while you can ask for a fatter burrito, it doesn’t mean employees are going to do it for you for free.
Boatwright said that they would be happy to make portions bigger, but he didn’t mention how much (if anything) it would cost.
One Facebook user has picked up on the idea that you may be charged for bloating your burritos.
“You can ask for more. Dont mean you want be charged for more,” they said.
Another replied: “This! He never said it wouldn’t be an extra fee. He just said ask for more. He gone have these people going getting bowls asking for a little more, and as soon as they ring em up, that total gone be $30.”
Others have questioned whether Chipotle crew members are aware that customers can ask for additional size upgrades.
“Bro needs to send a memo or something bc they be safeguarding those ingredients like they bought them behind that counter,” alleged a social media user.
Someone else said: “Let me save this video jus in case they wanna act skimpy.” (Sic)
A third commented that they were worried they would come off as ‘crazy’ if they headed into the American chain with Boatwright’s advice, as per The Sun.
Others have defended the Mexican Grill business, which opened its first London restaurant back in 2010.
“They never give me a problem all I say is I would like the proper meat to rice ratio and they just give me more,” a fan typed.
A second added: “It's funny because at the one I go to I have to be like yoooo chill... I'm not a rhinoceros.. who tf gonna eat all that lol.”
Laurie Schalow, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, told FOODbible in a statement: “At Chipotle, our intentions are to provide a great guest experience every time. Our meals have always been completely customizable so guests can vocalize or digitally select their desired portions when choosing from our list of real ingredients like white or brown rice, black or pinto beans, fresh tomato salsa, cheese, among others. Premium ingredients like double protein, guac, Queso Blanco, and Cilantro Lime Sauce are extra.”