LANCASTER, OH (WCMH) — Forget about burritos. Chipotle now wants to master burgers.
Chipotle spokesman Chris Arnold confirmed to NBC4 that the company would be entering the burger business this fall. The new chain, called TastyMade, will open its first location in Lancaster, Ohio.“Chipotle has been focused on a long-term vision to change the way people think about and eat fast food,” said Steve Ells, founder, chairman and co-CEO of Chipotle. “At the heart of that is our commitment to great quality ingredients and classic cooking techniques — traits that are absolutely necessary to make the best tasting food, and that can be applied to number of kinds of cuisine.”The new chain’s menu will only burgers, fresh-cut French fries, and milkshakes. It promises to use beef that’s free of antibiotics or added hormones, “shakes made with real ingredients including milk, cream, sugar, eggs and other natural ingredients, and freshmade buns that are free of preservatives, dough conditioners and other artificial ingredients.”
James Beard Award-winning chef Nate Appleman and Chipotle national training director David Chrisman came up with the concept. Both are native Ohioans.
This isn’t the first time Chipotle has broken away from burritos. It also has an Asian restaurant called ShopHouse and a pizza parlor called Pizzeria Locale.
The first Tasty Made is located at 732 N. Memorial Drive in Lancaster, OH.