Chipotle Mexican Grill announced an elevated outlook for same-store sales growth in 2026, shifting from a previous expectation of flat performance to projecting a low single digit percentage increase. The adjustment followed the company’s second-quarter results, which topped analyst expectations on both earnings and revenue metrics.
The company reported second-quarter net income of $403.5 million, representing 32 cents per share, compared with $436.1 million or 32 cents per share in the year-ago period. On an adjusted basis excluding impairment, restructuring, and other items, earnings reached 33 cents per share. Revenue grew 9.3% to $3.35 billion. Same-store sales increased 2.2%, driven partially by a 1% rise in restaurant traffic, while average check size rose 1.2%.
Chipotle attributed its performance to several operational initiatives, including seasonal menu offerings such as Honey Chicken and a newly introduced cilantro lime sauce, along with expansion of its Chipotle Rewards loyalty program. Chief Executive Scott Boatwright stated that menu innovation proved particularly effective in attracting younger consumers and lower-income diners. During the quarter, the company opened 100 new domestic locations and one restaurant operated by an international partner.
The company acknowledged that a cyclospora outbreak affecting leafy greens suppliers created headwinds in late July, producing approximately a 2 percentage point impact on sales during the second half of that month. Company executives emphasized that Chipotle maintains stringent food safety protocols and sources its lettuce from California, which remained unaffected by the outbreak. The guidance provided to investors incorporated this temporary sales pressure.
Chipotle’s stock closed more than 12% higher following the earnings announcement, reflecting investor optimism about the company’s recovery trajectory and revised full-year outlook.
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