Analyst Finds Wide Variability in Burrito Bowl Weights

  • Chipotle’s portion sizes have been under scrutiny due to complaints of reduced servings
  • Wells Fargo analyst Zachary Fadem conducted a study on Chipotle burrito bowls in NYC
  • Median weight of burrito bowls was found to be around 21.5 ounces, but with significant variability
  • Heaviest bowl weighed 26.8 ounces, lightest was 13.8 ounces
  • In-store and digital orders had similar median weights, but consistency varied widely between locations
  • CEO Brian Niccol previously suggested employees might give larger portions if asked
  • Fadem maintains an Overweight rating on Chipotle with a $66 price target

A Wall Street analyst aimed to settle the Chipotle ‘weight debate’, finding significant variability in burrito bowl weights at eight NYC locations. The median weight was around 21.5 ounces, but some bowls varied by up to 33% between stores. CEO Brian Niccol previously suggested employees might give larger portions if asked.

Factuality Level: 7
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about the variability in portion sizes of burrito bowls at Chipotle restaurants in New York City based on an analyst’s survey and includes relevant details about customer complaints and the company’s market value. However, it lacks some context and background information about the issue and could be more objective in presenting the findings.
Noise Level: 7
Noise Justification: The article focuses on a specific issue related to Chipotle’s portion sizes but does not provide significant insights or actionable information for readers. It mainly reports on the findings of an analyst’s survey and does not delve into broader implications or long-term trends.
Public Companies: Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG)
Key People: Zachary Fadem (Wells Fargo analyst), Brian Niccol (CEO)


Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Chipotle Mexican Grill’s stock price
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the portion sizes of Chipotle burrito bowls and their impact on customer satisfaction, which can affect the company’s sales and revenue. Additionally, it mentions the stock price of Chipotle Mexican Grill.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article, but it discusses inconsistency in portion sizes at Chipotle restaurants and customer complaints about reduced portions. The impact of this issue is considered minor as it does not involve any major consequences or significant effects on a larger scale.

Reported publicly: www.marketwatch.com