Limited-time protein to be validated via stage-gate process in Cincinnati, Sacramento
Chipotle Mexican Grill is testing smoked brisket at several locations in Cincinnati, Ohio and in Sacramento, Calif. The 64-unit test will feature the latest potential protein addition to the Chipotle menu. These stores will test a smoked beef brisket, seasoned with a spice blend, that will be seared at restaurant grills, and prepared with a Mexican-pepper sauce, according to an announcement.
The stage-gate process used at Chipotle has helped the Mexican-style fast casual develop successful new dishes. It’s the same method of testing the company will use to determine the viability of the Smoked Brisket. Customers ordering from the test stores in Cincinnati and Sacramento will be able to do so on-premises, online, on the app, or via contactless delivery for a limited time.
The Carne Asada, Supergreen Salad Mix and Queso Blanco menu items that debuted in 2019 and 2020 came as a result of this listen-test-and-learn discipline. Plus, a Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice that tested in July in Denver and Wisconsin, and a quesadilla, available only through digital ordering, were additional stage-gate tests.
“The richness of our real Smoked Brisket recipe delivers a craveable new flavor to our guests as we continue to innovate across our menu,” said Chris Brandt, Chipotle chief marketing officer.
This summer, Newport Beach, Calif.-based Chipotle also rolled out new, certified organic Lemonades, Aguas Frescas, and Teas from Tractor Beverage Co. at US locations, expanding its beverage lineup.
Photo credit: Chipotle Mexican Grill (featured preview image)
About the publisher of this restaurant news site.