As it begins its biggest-ever spring hiring campaign, Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. says it is relying on an artificial intelligence technology named Ava Cado to expedite its hiring process.
According to the business on Wednesday, Chipotle’s AI program has reduced the average time it takes a job seeker to complete an application and assisted the food chain in raising its application completion rate from 50% to 85%.
Compared to its employment goals of 19,000 workers in 2024 and 15,000 in 2023, the burrito maker’s hiring aim of 20,000 seasonal employees this year is the greatest to date.
Chipotle (CMG) announced that it is hiring to ensure that all 3,700 of its locations are staffed during what it refers to as Burrito Season, which is the busiest period for the restaurant brand.
Ava Cado, a virtual, AI-generated team member, will probably speak with applicants.
“Ava Cado has made the hiring process more efficient for Chipotle’s restaurant teams,” stated the business.
Because of Ava Cado, the average time it takes a candidate to finish their application and begin working has decreased from 12 days to four days. Chipotle stated.
Three TV ads showing a general manager from Portland, Oregon; a certified training manager at a restaurant in Phoenix; and a general manager headquartered in Texas are being used by the corporation to advertise its job openings.
According to Chipotle, 85% of its restaurant management roles were filled by internal candidates, and the firm promoted 23,000 team members in 2024. Of the 11 regional vice presidents at Chipotle, five began their careers as crew members.
Additionally, Chipotle wants to expand to 7,000 locations.
Both the Cinco de Mayo holiday and the college basketball season are when the restaurant company gets the most business.
On Wednesday, Chipotle’s shares fell 2.1%. In 2025, the stock has down 11.5% so far, while the S&P 500 SPX has increased by roughly 4.3%.
