Chipotle Mexican Grill is adding chorizo—a spicy chicken and pork sausage—to a handful of markets this summer, with a plan to expand the new menu item to all U.S. restaurants this fall.
The Mexican burrito chain said the new item is being added on Wednesday in its restaurants in New York City’s Manhattan locations, Sacramento, Columbus, San Diego and a few other locations in other cities. Chipotle (CMG) says it is made with pork and white-meat chicken, and also contains paprika, toasted cumin and chipotle peppers. The recipe was developed internally.
“Since we opened the first Chipotle 23-years-ago, our menu has changed very little, and our focus has been on constantly improving the quality and taste of the food we serve,” said Steve Ells, founder, chairman and co-CEO of Chipotle. He added that while the restaurant chain isn’t opposed to menu changes, it only does so when it can fit within the overall core menu.
Adding chorizo indicates a bit of acceleration in terms of menu innovation at Chipotle. Just a little over two years ago, Chipotle made a splash when it added tofu to its menus after a long testing process. Media outlets at the time said that addition represented a very rare update to the company’s offerings.
Chorizo will be available with many of the company’s current menu offerings, becoming an ingredient that can be added to burritos, tacos, burrito bowls and salads.