Chipotle Stores To Open Late Feb. 8 For Food Safety Training
NEW YORK (CBS/AP) -- Chipotle says its stores will open several hours later than normal for one day next month so it can hold a meeting following a series of food scares.
The Denver-based chain says all its stores will open at 3 p.m. local time on Feb. 8. Stores typically open at 11 a.m.
The delayed openings are so employees can take part in a team meeting to discuss changes the company is making to tighten its food safety measures. Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. also says the company will thank employees for their work in recent weeks.
The chain's sales have tanked since an E. coli outbreak that came to light at the end of October. Its problem worsened after a norovirus outbreak in Boston in early December that sickened dozens.
Chipotle has seen its stock price tank since the outbreaks, losing nearly a third of its value. But founder and CEO Steve Ells says their new policies will "put us 10 to 15 years ahead of industry norms, and I believe this will be the safest restaurant to eat at."
Despite those assurances, some people KPIX 5 spoke to on Friday had their doubts.
"What are the qualifications that anything else that will come out of that organization are going to be safer?" asked Berkeley resident Dan Plyler.
"I don't know. I mean, you can put people in training, but they are going to still [follow the training]? It really depends on the individual," said Karen Anderson of San Francisco.
However, others seemed willing to give Chipotle a second chance.
"It might just be one good weekend with a couple of drinks and next thing you know, I'll be at Chipotle," said Chipotle customer Aaron Marianao with a laugh.
Chipotle is also starting a new marketing campaign next month trying to win back customers who've lost their appetite.
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