Chipotle Mexican Grill (1993)
Steve Ells opened the first Chipotle in a former ice cream shop near the University of Denver, serving burritos and tacos. The single taqueria grew into one of the largest fast-casual chains in the United States.
Chipotle expanded rapidly, opening dozens of locations in the 1990s.
It became a national chain with thousands of locations, defining the fast-casual Mexican segment.
Cilantro Taco Grill follows a similar path, growing from a single Pilsen taqueria into a multi-state chain with a new Loop location.
