Chipotle the burrito giant of the fast-casual restaurant world is now charging more for menu items that have beef. The company cited continuing increases in beef prices, with the burrito chain charging between 4% and 6% more for its barbacoa and steak burritos, tacos, bowls and salads.
The new pricing has taken effect or will shortly at all locations nationwide, Chris Arnold the director of communications confirmed through an email.
The menu at Chipotle had picked up buzz of late. The chain has recently increased prices across the boards at its locations in San Francisco to correspond with the minimum wage increase in the city.
He said the increases in minimum wage did not necessarily mean menu prices would be higher.
Arnold said that the increase in San Francisco was due to operational costs.
The pricing model said Arnold takes a great deal into consideration including building or occupancy costs, labor, food and more. An increase in any one of those areas is not going to automatically necessitate an increase of price in food, but it is when the equation is not in balance then price increases must be used.
For example, added Arnold, last year was just the first time in the past three years prices were raised at restaurants and that was in spite of food inflation being persistent for many of the preceding years.
Another recent bit of info about the burrito maker is the company has officially recognized the quesarito, it popular item that is off-menu that features the fillings of a burrito wrapped inside a quesadilla.
The dish was previously the same prices as the other burritos at most locations, but now has a cost of $3.50 above that of the regular burrito.
