Meet Steve Ells, one of Fast Company's Most Creative People

CEO and Founder, Chipotle

In 1998, McDonalds invested in Steve Ells's 15 Chipotle restaurants. By 2016, he had more than 2,000 locations of the fast food Mexican chain, all the while maintaining a commitment to natural ingredients and sustainability. Ells is a classically trained chef, having studied under Jeremiah Tower at San Francisco's famed Stars restaurant.

Work Life

How Chipotle Changed American Fast Food Forever

Chipotle set out to challenge fast food trends and be better than the competition–in the end, they launched a new industry. Here’s how they rose to the top of the fast-food chain.

Steve Ells

CEO and Founder, Chipotle

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How Chipotle Changed American Fast Food Forever

Chipotle set out to challenge fast food trends and be better than the competition–in the end, they launched a new industry. Here’s how they rose to the top of the fast-food chain.

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