Chipotle Mexican Grill, with seven Milwaukee-area locations, announced yesterday that a small team within the organization, led by founder, chairman and co-CEO Steve Ells is working on an Asian restaurant concept that follows the Chipotle model. The company plans to open one Asian inspired restaurant in 2011.
I'm there! I love Chipotle, its model and its friendly service. Plus, honestly, I miss Chin's Asia Fresh in Milwaukee. So, if you're reading Mr. Ells, this concept would work for me.
In a statement, Ellis said, "Since opening the first Chipotle some 17 years ago, I have often thought about how other types of food might fit the Chipotle model. But my focus has always remained on perfecting and growing the Chipotle brand. Chipotle is not successful because we serve burritos and tacos. Our success comes from finding the very best sustainably raised ingredients, prepared and cooked using classical methods in front of the customer, and served in an interactive format by special people dedicated to providing a great dining experience. And while our Chipotle restaurants will of course remain our primary focus, we are also excited to see how this format works with other cuisines."
Chipotle opened its first restaurant in 1993 and currently operates more than 1,000 locations.
A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.
He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.
Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.
He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.
He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.
