Chipotle Mexican Grill is launching a new format called “Chipotlane Digital Kitchen” in Ohio in the US.
The fast-casual restaurant chain is opening the first prototype of the Chipotlane Digital Kitchen concept in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. The new design offers a “Chipotlane” drive-thru window and walk-up window for more efficient digital order pickup. The restaurant is scheduled to open before the end of the year.
The Chipotlane Digital Kitchen footprint is smaller than a traditional Chipotlane store, with no dining room access for customers or a front line. The kitchen is equipped with a make line dedicated to digital orders placed through the Chipotle app and website, as well as third-party delivery partners.
Customers and delivery drivers can collect their digital orders through the Chipotlane drive-thru or walk-up window. The new restaurant will also offer outdoor patio seating for customers to eat their meals on-site.
Since launching the format in early 2018, Chipotle says new restaurants featuring a Chipotlane open with approximately 15 per cent higher sales compared to non-Chipotlane stores opened during the same period.
In addition, Chipotle introduced its first-ever digital-only restaurant, called the “Chipotle Digital Kitchen,” in November 2021. Located just outside of the gates to the military academy in Highland Falls, New York, the new prototype was designed in-house and does not include a dining room or front service line.
