A sign reading “Now Hiring” is displayed in front of a Chipotle restaurant on October 7, 2022 in Washington, DC.
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Chipotle Mexican Grill It expects to hire 19,000 new employees to make its burritos and bowls this spring, the company said Wednesday.
The company's hiring goal suggests it expects an even busier-than-usual spring, despite another round of menu price increases in October. The chain's hiring goal is about 27% higher than a year ago, when it sought 15,000 new workers for its so-called March-May burrito season.
For Chipotle, having enough workers becomes even more important during its busiest period. The chain needs many employees to meet the increased demand. Spring weather is bringing back Chipotle customers who sat out the winter months, but the chain's concentration in college towns means sales typically slow in the summer.
Chipotle currently has more than 110,000 workers.
Attracting workers has become more difficult for the restaurant industry in recent years, largely due to the pandemic. Hundreds of thousands of restaurant jobs disappeared as bars and restaurants closed, either temporarily or permanently. Industry veterans shifted to administrative or warehouse jobs, seeking safety from Covid-19, better working conditions, or both. In September, the restaurant workforce finally recovered to pre-pandemic levels, according to Labor Department data.
But even before Covid, restaurants struggled to recruit and retain younger workers, who often sought internships.
Chipotle on Wednesday also touted new benefits that aim to help younger workers address financial challenges. The company will match up to 4% of eligible employees' salaries by making contributions to their 401(k) if they make student loan payments. Additionally, Chipotle workers can also sign up for a Credi.ai debit card, which builds credit with no fees or interest.
Chipotle is expected to report its fourth-quarter earnings after the bell on February 6.
