Chipotle Mexican Grill is an American fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in Mexican-inspired cuisine, particularly burritos, tacos, and bowls. Founded by Steve Ells in 1993, the first restaurant opened near the University of Denver, funded by an $85,000 loan from Ells' father. Originally, Ells aimed to use profits to open a fine-dining restaurant, but the overwhelming success of Chipotle shifted his focus to expanding the brand. By the late 1990s, Chipotle caught the attention of McDonald’s, which invested in the company in 1998, aiding its rapid expansion from 16 to over 500 locations by 2005. Despite McDonald’s later divesting from Chipotle in 2006, the company continued to thrive and eventually went public in 2007. Chipotle is known for its commitment to using fresh and organic ingredients, a philosophy termed "Food with Integrity." It emphasizes sustainable sourcing, such as free-range pork and antibiotic-free chicken. The chain has maintained company ownership of all its locations, avoiding franchising to ensure quality control. By 2020, Chipotle had expanded to more than 2,400 restaurants globally. Despite facing challenges like an E. coli outbreak in 2015, the company implemented stronger food safety measures and regained customer trust. Today, Chipotle remains a major player in the fast-casual dining industry, popular for its emphasis on quality and simplicity in its menu.