Chipotle Collaborates with Hyphen to Test New Digital Makeline

Chipotle Mexican Grill, a renowned fast-casual restaurant chain, has announced its partnership with Hyphen to test a cutting-edge automated digital makeline. This collaboration aims to streamline kitchen operations and enhance the overall dining experience for Chipotle customers.

The automated digital makeline, developed by Hyphen, is designed to create bowls and salads by moving the entrées through a bottom makeline where ingredients are dispensed automatically. Simultaneously, Chipotle team members can utilize the top makeline to prepare burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and kid’s meals for the same digital order.

With approximately 65% of Chipotle’s digital orders consisting of bowls or salads, the implementation of the cobotic digital makeline has the potential to free up more time for employees to focus on delivering exceptional hospitality. Additionally, it will increase capacity for digital orders during peak periods and improve order accuracy, ultimately enhancing the guest experience.

Curt Garner, Chief Customer and Technology Officer at Chipotle, expressed the company’s commitment to leveraging robotics to unlock the human potential of its workforce and provide an elevated dining experience for guests. The goal is to make the automated digital makeline the centerpiece of all Chipotle restaurants’ digital kitchens.

Chipotle’s investment in Hyphen is part of Cultivate Next, the company’s $50 million venture fund aimed at making early-stage investments in companies that align with its mission to Cultivate a Better World. The fund seeks to accelerate Chipotle’s growth plans while elevating the human experience for its teams and increasing access and convenience for its guests. Other investments through Cultivate Next include Vebu, a product development company that collaborates with food industry leaders to create intelligent automation and technology solutions.

Chipotle Mexican Grill, known for serving responsibly sourced, real food with wholesome ingredients, operates over 3,250 restaurants across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. As a leader and innovator in the food industry, Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible while prioritizing digital, technology, and sustainable business practices.

For more information about Chipotle and to place an order online, visit www.chipotle.com. To learn more about Hyphen and its foodservice platform, visit www.usehyphen.com.

[Link to original press release: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chipotle-teams-up-with-hyphen-to-begin-testing-new-digital-makeline-301945380.html]