Chipotle to Test Prototype Stores in KC
Denver-based Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. is rolling out two prototype stores in the Kansas City area later this year. The new stores will employ a smaller-footprint concept aimed at reducing both the real estate and environmental footprint the restaurants create. While a typical Chipotle measures 2.2K SF, the new stores will be 1.5K SF, featuring a 20% smaller kitchen and reducing the number of seats to 32 as reported by BizJournals. Additionally, the company will make hundreds of little changes in the new stores to optimize the energy efficiency in the restaurants. The prototype stores could be used as a model for future locations and to determine any future changes the company may want to implement. Chipotle has a long history in Kansas City where it opened its first location outside of Denver in 1998. KC-based architecture firm El Dorado Inc. has been tapped to design the smaller locations and could be in line for a long-term relationship with the company. The new restaurants are slated to be ready between November and February. [BIZ]
