Chipotle Mexican Grill is gearing up for its “burrito season” and plans to hire 19,000 new employees.
The company also announced new benefits aimed at prioritizing financial and mental health for its workers, including a student loan retirement match program, offering to match up to 4% of eligible employees’ salaries to their 401(k) if they make eligible student loan payments. Chipotle is also providing access to a Visa card, faster paycheck access, and banking services from Cred.ai, including their “Credit Optimizer.” Moreover, the new Employee Assistance Program offers six free sessions with a licensed counselor or mental health coach, along with access to other tools and resources.
According to a press release, over 73% of Chipotle’s restaurant employees belong to Gen Z, and the new benefits are designed to address the specific challenges they face. Studies have shown that individuals born in the late 90s to early 2000s are encountering significant financial hurdles. According to Credit Karma, this demographic is accumulating credit card debt at a faster rate than previous generations.
Additionally, an Intuit Prosperity Index Study revealed that Gen Z are nearly twice as likely as the general population to lack confidence in managing their finances.
“Empowering our talent is embedded in our company’s culture,” said Ilene Eskenazi, Chief Human Resources Officer at Chipotle. “As we push toward our long-term goal of operating 7,000 restaurants in North America, it’s crucial that we listen to and adapt to the needs of our team members, so they can grow with us.”
Burrito season, Chipotle’s busiest time of year, runs from March to May. The company increased its starting wages for hourly employees in 2021 to $11-$18 per hour. Chipotle reports that crew members can rise to the position of Restaurateur in as little as three and a half years, with a potential compensation package totaling around $100,000 while overseeing a multi-million-dollar business.
Almost 90 percent of the current restaurant leadership began as crew members and advanced to management roles; in 2023, Chipotle elevated more than 26,000 employees.
“Today we have many examples of crew members rising through the ranks and now holding restaurant leadership roles, which are among the proudest accomplishments of this organization,” said Scott Boatwright, Chief Operating Officer. “With 2024’s ‘burrito season’ approaching, there are more career opportunities than ever at Chipotle.”
Interested individuals can apply for positions at Chipotle through the company’s career website or by texting CHIPJOBS to 97211.
Chipotle was established in 1993 in Denver, Colorado, and currently runs over 3,100 stores in the U.S., including one at Ellsworth Place in downtown Silver Spring. The company introduced “Chipotlane” digital kitchens in the D.C. area last year.
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